Bellwether 50 | Summer 2001

Bellwether

No.50 • Summer 2001

T H E N E W S M AG A Z I N E O F T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F P E N N S Y LVA N I A S C H O O L O F V E T E R I N A RY M E D I C I N E

Inside Bellwether 50 ® School of Veterinary Medicine UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

2 From the Dean 3 Teaching & Research Building News 6 International Disease Control Effort 8 First Hofmann Professor Appointed

10 Feline Symposium 15 Teaching Awards 16 116th Commencement 30 Special Gifts to the School

Alumni Weekend 2001, page 18

A Message from the Dean elcome to a new academic year full of inspiration and challenge.

Last year was a singularly fruitful one for the School. Many will remember that in August 2000, Governor Ridge committed $18 million of Commonwealth funds towards the $48 million cost of the new Teaching and Research Building.

Through the great generosity of our good friends and benefactors, we now have $30 million in hand; twothirds of the way to our goal! I am thrilled and grateful, particularly to the School’s Board of Overseers who were instrumental in securing a significant proportion of these funds. In the next 12 months we must work hard to sustain this momentum and raise the remaining balance of $18 million.

Funding for the new $3.1 million Scott Equine Sports Medicine Building at New Bolton Center was accomplished in the past year, thanks to the broad support that New Bolton Center enjoys in the equine community and to the vigorous leadership of Herbert and Ellen Moelis in securing funds. Herb Moelis is a distinguished member of the School’s Board of Overseers. Construction of the Scott Building, which will greatly improve our ability to care for equine patients, is now underway and should be completed by the middle of next year in time for the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of New Bolton Center.

In January we opened the new Swine Unit at New Bolton Center with the goal of expanding research in the area and providing more opportunities for our students to study swine medicine. I thank Dr. Tom Parsons for successfully spear-heading this project and am happy to announce that Dr. Gary Althouse, one of the best known experts in swine reproduction in the U.S., has joined him on the faculty. Tom and Gary are now in a position to provide our students with one of, if not, the best programs in swine medicine in the country. I take delight in this prospect.

Another initiative is the new aquaculture

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facility nearing completion at New Bolton Center. Drs. Leon Weiss and David Nunamaker are leading this project which will be named in honor of Robert F. Fairchild, another illustrious member of the School’s Board of Overseers, who generously contributed to the cost of the building. Among other things, it will be used by faculty in the Center for Animal Health and Productivity to study nutrition in farmed fish.

In doing so, they will apply the skills they have gained in dairy nutrition to the aquatic environment since the principles of nutrition are the same. Studies on infectious diseases of fish will also take place in the building. These are important initiatives for improvements in nutrition and infectious disease control. These are two of the most critical problems facing the aquaculture industry today.

Buildings which support our educational, research, and clinical programs are just one facet of the rich intellectual environment that defines the School. In their surroundings,

students, faculty and staff create the School’s vigorous scholarly milieu and it is this critical attitude that our graduates take with them as they enter the veterinary profession and become leaders. James Thomson, the scientist who discovered how to culture human embryonic stem cells much in the news today, was a V.M.D./Ph.D. student at the School from 1981 to 1988 and is one such leader. We take pride in his accomplishments and draw great satisfaction in the belief that the School’s dynamic scholarly environment contributed to Jamie’s success. Our challenge is to preserve the vibrancy of this intellectual environment so that the School may continue to inspire the Jamie Thomsons of the 21st century. I eagerly look forward to working with you to secure this goal.

Alan M. Kelly The Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of Veterinary Medicine

Dr.James A.Thomson,V’85,on Time cover r. James A. Thomson, a graduate of the Veterinary Medical Scientist Training Program at the University of Pennsylvania, has recently been named as America’s best in cellular biology research by Time magazine.

Dr. Thomson received his V.M.D. in 1985 and his Ph.D. in molecular biology in 1988. He is a University of WisconsinMadison developmental biologist who also serves as a professor of anatomy in the UWMadison Medical School and as the chief pathologist at the Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center on the UWMadison campus.

According to Time, “Biologist James Thomson’s wizardry with embryonic stem cells had not only raised hopes for a medical panacea but also set off the national debate on whether that potential public good

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provided the moral justification for the infusion of massive amounts of public money.

Already, Thomson’s own personal balancing act — juggling scientific imperative and ethical caution, technical brilliance and moral quandary — had made him one of our choices for Time’s list of America’s Best in science and medicine.” Read “Stem Winder,” a profile of Dr. Thomson on the CNN/Time web site at <http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2001/ americasbest/science.medicine/ pro.jthomson.html>.

Since joining the Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center, Dr. Thomson has conducted pioneering work in the isolation and culture of non-human primate and human embryonic stem cells, undifferentiated cells that have the ability to become any of the cells that make up the tissues of the body. He directed the group that reported the first isolation of embryonic stem cell lines from a non-human primate in 1995, work that led his group to the first successful isolation of human embryonic stem cell lines in 1998.

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Teaching and Research Building News unds are growing for the Teaching and Research Building that will be built adjacent to the Veterinary School complex in Philadelphia. The project costs are estimated at $48 million. The School has raised almost two-thirds: $30 million!

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Recent gifts for the Teaching and Research Building include a $1.5 million grant from The Connelly Foundation of West Conshohocken, Pa. The Foundation stated: “The University is a strong force for economic and intellectual good in the state of Pennsylvania and the Delaware Valley, and the accomplishments of the School of Veterinary Medicine in veterinary research are indeed impressive. Like you, our trustees are convinced that a new academic and research facility is necessary for Penn to compete in the 21st century. By having at its disposal the proper tools to conduct sophisticated genetic research, Penn can surely achieve and maintain a position in the forefront of veterinary medicine in the world.”

The Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation of San Antonio, Texas, a

long time supporter of Dr. Ralph Brinster’s research, made a pledge of $1 million for laboratories in the new building for the Center for Transgenesis and Germ Cell Research. A contribution of $500,000 for the building was received from the Diane Lenfest Myer Foundation of West Chester, Pa. In making this gift, the Foundation wished to help the School advance its mission.

The building’s ground floor, first floor, and part of the basement will be devoted to spaces for students. Research laboratories, seminar rooms and support offices will occupy the upper three floors.

Two state-of-the-art lecture halls, each accommodating 150 students, will be entered from the ground floor. A student lounge will occupy part of the basement level and the ground floor. The library, extending over two levels, will house not only books and reference material but banks of computers for easy access to online reference and teaching materials. There will be “smart” internet-connected seminar rooms throughout the building, enabling students, researchers and clinicians to gather for small group teaching and discussions.

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$48 million goal

$30 million raised

Veterinary School Buildings in Philadelphia

Quadrangle Building 

Gladys Hall Rosenthal Building 

Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania 

Site of Teaching & Research Building Planned Groundbreaking 

The Teaching and Research Building site is bounded by 38th Street, Woodland Avenue, and Baltimore Avenue.

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On the cover

A Winning Combination: Prince Panache and New Bolton Center

By Jane Simone

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hree day eventing is a tough sport. It’s the equine equivalent of the “Iron Man” competition. The sport grew out of military training, when it was vital for cavalry horses to be fit, nimble and utterly responsive to their riders’ commands. Three day eventing combines the most demanding of equestrian disciplines: dressage, show-jumping and crosscountry riding.

At the highest level of the sport, a very fit horse must demonstrate on Day One complete obedience while executing a variety of predetermined movements in the dressage arena.

He must then be fit enough to undertake the endurance phase of the competition on Day Two, which requires that he go at a measured pace for several miles before and after galloping a steeplechase course. This is followed immediately by a veterinary check to ensure that he is still capable of the biggest challenge — several miles of galloping over rolling terrain along a course interspersed with as many as 28-30 fixed fences, some of which will have more than one jumping effort involved. Once through this — the cross-country phase — the horse rests overnight and is presented on Day Three for a veterinary check. If he passes that, he will go on to jump a show-jumping course over brightlycolored poles and fences in front of a cheering crowd that will test his athleticism, his fitness and his calmness of mind.

Of the thousands of horses that compete regularly in weekend horse trials, point-topoint races, and other equine competitions, only a very few reach the glamorous heights dreamed of by every serious rider. One of those horses is a 16.2 hands bay gelding, owned by Mrs. Jaqueline Mars and trained and ridden by one of the world’s best-known eventers, Karen O’Connor. His name is Prince Panache (known in the stable as Nash), and not only has he become one of the best-known stars in Olympic and international three-day eventing, he is a “graduate” of New Bolton Center — a horse who might not have risen to stardom without the help of Dr. Virginia Reef and her outstanding team of professionals in the Sports Medicine Section.

Karen O’Connor told Bellwether Nash’s story, shortly after she rode him to victory at the MBNA Fox Hall 3-Day Event in Georgia in May. Karen found Nash in England in 1993 and liked him immediately because of his 4

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great, athletic jump. Apart from that, however, he was not very impressive in his movement – Karen refers to him having a “mincy little trot,” but she felt instinctively that he had great potential. Unfortunately, the relationship got off to a rocky start. Nash injured a foot before the purchase was finalized and it was serious enough to keep him laid up for about three weeks. In spite of this, Jackie Mars, trusting in Karen’s judgment, agreed to the purchase, and in the fall of 1993 Karen brought the horse back to the United States and placed a very respectable 6th in the Fair Hill International 3-Day event in Maryland.

It was not until an insurance medical examination in 1995 that veterinarians detected that Nash had a slight heart murmur. “It wasn’t serious,” said Karen, “so we just continued competing.” The partnership showed great promise, with 8th place showings in the 1996 Rolex Kentucky 3* and Ireland’s 1997 Punchestown 3*. In 1998 Nash placed 5th at the sport’s premier event, England’s world-

d’equipe) said I must have gone over the top with him because he was “kick along quiet,” and that is NOT like Prince Panache.” Karen completed her dressage test and went on to do show-jumping that afternoon, when Nash was still “pretty lazy.” Karen says herself she did not know quite how to react. No-one listened to him with a stethoscope; as Karen said, “We just weren’t thinking along those lines.”

It wasn’t until the next phase of the competition that the wake-up call came. “He was charging along absolutely great at the start of the four-minute steeplechase. Suddenly, he just seemed to want to slow down, which is very uncharacteristic of this horse. I felt something had gone seriously wrong, but I wanted to finish the steeplechase and then check him, but we literally finished by trotting over the finish line. I was very, very scared at this point, because I’d never before had the feeling that I was on a horse that didn’t have any petrol left in his tank at all. It’s funny – I just knew it wasn’t a leg, but I also knew when I pulled him up

Karen O’Connor and Nash.

renowned Badminton 4*. Occasional injuries cut into his competition schedule, but by 1998 Nash had been successful enough to qualify for the World Equestrian Games in Rome.

It was there that Karen first noticed Nash might have a serious problem. “I was doing dressage and Nash was very, very lazy which struck me as odd because he is NOT a lazy horse. Captain Mark Phillips (USA team chef

that he was far from fit. I remember saying we had to get a vet, that I thought there was something wrong with Nash’s heart.” Catherine Kohn, VMD, and Kent Allen, DVM, team veterinarians, listened to Nash’s heart and diagnosed him as being in atrial fibrillation.

Nash was immediately retired from the competition. Karen said, “I was devastated and really scared that he was going to drop dead

right there.” Dr. Cathy Kohn, V’73 reassured the spring of 1999 Karen and Prince Panache Steeplechase and Cross Country segment of the her that the condition was not life threatening, qualified for the Rolex Kentucky 4* 3-Day competition. It was a great team effort! Prince but that Nash should have a complete cardioEvent, the only 4* level competition in the Panache placed first with an outstanding showvascular work-up on his return to the USA. USA, and one of only 5 such competitions ing in all three disciplines of the event.

Before leaving Italy, however, Karen consulted worldwide. It was only the second year for a 4* Since then, Prince Panache has never finwith Cathy Kohn, Kent Allen and Brendan level competition to be run in the USA and ished less than third in any top-level competiFurlong, top competition veterinarians. They very demanding, coming as it does at the tion. Now 17, he is going into well-deserved unanimously recommended that Nash be taken beginning of the eventing season. Nash got star semi-retirement, having won Rolex in 1999, to New Bolton Center and be seen, if possible, treatment from New Bolton Center. Dr. Reef and the Foxhall Farm 3* (Atlanta, Ga.) in 2001.

by Dr. Virginia Reef. Dr. Reef, Nash also has to his credit a they agreed, was unquestionTeam Bronze from the Sydney ably the finest equine cardiolo2000 Olympics and a third place gist in the country, if not the finish in the Rolex Kentucky 4* world. As Karen remarked, event in 2000.

“Thank goodness they didn’t Karen O’Connor is grateful tell me I had to take him to for what Dr. Reef and New some place in California! At Bolton Center’s expertise has least I can get to New Bolton done for her and Prince Center in about four hours, Panache, a horse both she and and I was grateful just for owner Jackie Mars are deeply that.” attached to. But she remembers Karen brought Nash to her first exposure to New New Bolton Center about six Bolton Center with gratitude, weeks after he had been initialtoo. Then, as a very young rider ly diagnosed — basically when with no money and a horse he was comfortable to ship diagnosed with terminal cancer, home from a temporary she recalled how kindly the staff stopover in England. Thus treated her, particularly when began a series of visits over a she denied them the use of her period of six months. “Dr. horse for teaching purposes. “It Reef, “ said Karen, “was a was too emotional for me,” she delight to work with because confided. “I just couldn’t handle she is clearly a good horseman it. But the doctor was so gentle as well as a great veterinarian. with me and so understanding – She understands horses from my decision was totally fine both the veterinary perspective with them. And I never felt as and the horseman’s viewpoint though they compromised that and this is a comfort to a horse’s care because I was so horseman like me, who is young and scraping out a living. clued into their personalities. I That first episode made me felt very at ease with her. I just always want to go back to New felt that everyone at New Bolton, because of the care not Bolton Center really cared just from the doctors but from about Nash and what they the administration and everywere doing. And you know, at body concerned.” that point he wasn’t the star Prince Panache has earned Karen O’Connor on Prince Panache at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, during the Team 3 Day event, that he is today. He was just a his retirement and will be purPhotograph by Charles Mann, reprinted by permission. at the second water. horse we thought a lot of, but suing a less frantic schedule in I told Ginny that if we could get him through wrote a letter explaining all aspects of Nash’s the coming years. He has represented the USA his heart condition he could be a real worldcare and treatment. New Bolton Center techniwith great skill and courage and he has earned class horse as far as future competitions were cians were on site with portable EKG machines, a well-deserved place among eventing’s bestconcerned.” and with the help of Kent Allen DVM, Karen’s known and best-loved equine athletes. That is Nash’s treatments and monitoring continlocal veterinarian, Nash was monitored at each due in no small measure to Dr. Virginia Reef ued through the winter of 1998-1999, and in phase of the demanding Roads and Tracks, and New Bolton Center.

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Penn Faculty Involved in International Disease Control Effort

by Dr. Helen Aceto,V’97

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hether you are talking about travel, international trade, communication, or farming practices, the last three decades have witnessed sweeping changes and an inexorable move toward globalization.

There are countless examples where these trends in human activity are a double-edged sword. Consider disease control. Clearly the rise in international traffic of people, animals or things increases the risk of importing “exotic” diseases. At the same time, ease of communication and travel makes it possible to mobilize assistance at an international level, as was the case in the UK foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) epidemic. When, in early March, the UK Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (MAFF) called for help, veterinarians and other disease experts from around the world offered their services. Penn’s Veterinary School was represented in this international effort by two members of the Center for Animal Health and Productivity at New Bolton Center, Dr. Linda Baker, V’84, and myself.

This story begins on February 19, 2001,

On surveillance or tracing visits vets had to suit up for each farm, disposable coveralls were left there and boots disinfected several times before visiting the next farm. In most parts of the country, after being on an infected farm vets were considered “dirty” for 72 hours. “Dirty” vets either did nothing until they were “clean” again or continued working only on declared infected or contiguous premises slated for depopulation. Initially the dirty period was 5 days (equivalent to USDA guidelines) but as the epidemic progressed this was gradually reduced to 72 hours. In Cumbria life was chaotic with over 750 cases and at the height of the crisis the “dirty” period decreased to overnight.

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when pigs suspected of having FMD were identified at a slaughterhouse in Essex, in the southeast of England. Presence of disease was confirmed the next day. The viral serotype

processor, and farm inspection revealed items such as paper plates and food wrappers that would not have been present if only properly processed swill were fed. Although the precise

Grim work for field veterinarians included supervision of animal slaughter.

(subdivision) involved was subsequently identinature and origin of the infectious material fied as the pan-Asian type-O strain described remains unknown, it seems certain that one or by the United Nations Food and Agriculture several illegal actions resulted in the appearOrganization as “pandemic.” Since its appearance of FMD in the UK. Equally, it is difficult ance in northern India in 1990, type-O has to imagine that globalization of commerce and spread widely displactravel were not imporing other FMD tant factors in the iniserotypes and is present tiation of the outbreak in most of Asia, Japan, and in its subsequent Taiwan, the Middle spread to Ulster, the East, Russia, Mongolia, Republic of Ireland, parts of both Africa and France, and the South America, and Netherlands. now Europe.

Dr. Baker and I The initial Essex played out parts in this case was not, however, story between April the source of the epi5th and May 4th when Presence of lesions meant extension of the contigu- we were in the UK demic. All evidence ous cull to the next farm. points to the fourth assisting with and case found, a cull-sow researching the outfattening operation in the northeast of England break. Dr. Baker worked for MAFF under the that sent animals several hundred miles to auspices of the USDA, and was assigned to slaughter at the index site where the disease Lancashire in the northwest of England. With was first discovered. Disease was most likely support from Dean Alan Kelly, I was based in caused by feeding improperly treated pigswill. the northeast less than five miles from the Although the farm in question was feeding source of the epidemic. Dr. Baker worked at a swill from a licensed processor, the amount local level seeing how policies such as contigurequired exceeded that purchased from the ous culling (i.e., infected premises depopulated

within 24 hours, all susceptible animals on During that week there were an average of 40 contiguous premises slaughtered within 48 new outbreaks per day, with 80,000 animals hours) as well as protocols for control, surveilslaughtered and 83,000 carcasses disposed of lance, disease tracing, case identification and on a daily basis. By the time we left in May, the reporting, animal disposal, and animal movement were implemented in the field. I gathered information on how national policies were derived and the way in which they influenced local efforts.

I also examined epidemiological, legal, social, and international aspects of the outbreak.

This combination of local and more global views provided a series of valuable insights and observations that neither one alone could have achieved. Our experiences of what did and didn’t work, how procedures might be improved or modified Literally thousands of carcasses required disposal. to fit the US situation, particularly with respect to Pennsylvania agriculture, have average daily cases had decreased to 7 per day, already been presented at a Regional Emerdaily slaughter and disposal statistics were gency Managers Workshop. down to 16,000 and 21,000, respectively, and The peak of the epidemic actually occurred the epidemic was declared fully under control. around the time that we arrived in the UK. Nevertheless, the disease continues to smolder and in the week ending July 15 (day 146) there were still an average of 4 new cases per day, with daily slaughter and disposal at 7,000 and 6,000, respectively. The long “tail” of the disease is perhaps the most difficult time for control as lapses in vigilance and biosecurity become more common. Overall, there have been 1,854 outbreaks, but the contiguous culling policy has resulted in depopulation on 8,758 farms.

More than 3.5 million sheep, cattle, pigs, goats and other susceptible livestock have been destroyed representing 8% of the UK national herd, when welfare and voluntary culls are included, this figure rises to 12% (a further 1.3 million animals). The numbers are staggering.

For sheep, heavy lanolin-coated fleece made burnEven for the best informed of us, without first ing unsatisfactory and the primary means of dishand experience it is impossible to imagine the posal was burial, either on-site or at designated logistical and organizational resources neceslocations. There are several sites in the UK where between 100,000 and 300,000 sheep are buried. sary to conduct a disease control effort of this

magnitude. While many may argue with the UK approach, and it was obvious serious mistakes were made, particularly early on, it was also clear that current technology for FMDV testing and vaccination is inadequate for disease control requirements.

Unquestionably, FMD has been a national disaster for the UK, coming as it does after the BSE epidemic and a 2000 outbreak of classical swine fever. Yet, as a lesson for both disease prevention and preparation for the unthinkable, international cooperation in disease management issues exemplified by our time in the UK will be invaluable in protecting animal health in Pennsylvania and the rest of the US.

FMD Websites http://aleffgroup.com/avisfmd/ http://www.iah.bbsrc.ac.uk/virus/ Picornaviridae/Aphthovirus/fmd.htm http://www.maff.gov.uk/ http://www.oie.int/eng/en_index.htm http://www.fao.org/waicent/FaoInfo/Agricult/ AGA/AGAH/EUFMD/default.htm http://www.fao.org/ http://www.pighealth.com/ http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/in_depth/ uk/2001/foot_and_mouth/default.stm http://www.itn.co.uk/ http://www.guardian.co.uk/ footandmouth/0,7368,441391,00.html http://www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/pubs/ fsmd00.html

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Professor Dodson’s Egyptian Dinosaur Adventure

By Patricia R. Kane-Vanni, Esq.

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o one has been to the Egyptian desert to excavate dinosaur fossils since before the First World War. In 1914 German paleontologist Dr. Ernst Stromer excavated abundant fossil fauna, including land and sea animals, plants and most excitingly, dinosaurs! Sadly all of these fossil treasures, though well documented, were destroyed in an Allied bombing attack on Munich in 1943.

owed and filmed the project for an expected television special.

The trip encompassed a six-week field season from January through February 2000.

Although it was winter, temperatures varied from the 60’s to the 80’s. The nighttime lows hovered in the 40’s. The temperatures weren’t so much of a factor since the team could dress for the cold but not for the dust storms.

Thankfully, after January the storms abated and the most significant work was accomplished.

There were six new productive sites excavated as well as two old Stromer sites. The majority of the finds were ancient fish and sharks, as well as snakes, turtles and crocs and some tantalizing dinosaur clues. Several Spinosaurus teeth, a theropod claw and teeth and a sauropod caudal (long-necked dinosaur) vertebra were discovered. But the most intriguing find came only two weeks prior to departure. As soon as excavation started, they knew they hit pay dirt. Within a four-yard radius a number

of identifiable large bones were excavated. The centerpiece was the discovery of a 5 foot, 7 inch sauropod humerus, one of the largest ever found! There is no question that this is a major find. Extensive study and comparison of the bones with identified species has verified that this is an entirely new species. The name of the new dinosaur is Parallatitan stromeri, meaning tidal or coastal giant — stromeri honors Ernest Stromer.

The discovery was reported in the June 1, 2001 issue of Science. During a press conference at Penn on May 31 the team exhibited the humerus and provided details about the find.

The story received world-wide coverage in the print and electronic media. The June Pennsylvania Gazette featured an extensive, illustrated article. It can be found online at <http://www.upenn.edu/gazette/0701/ prendergast.html>. A television documentary about the discovery will be aired in the near future.

First Hofmann Professor Appointed

Dr. Dodson and the bone.

In early 1999 Josh Smith, one of Dr. Peter Dodson’s (professor of veterinary gross anatomy) vertebrate paleontology graduate students, decided to reinvestigate the wealth of dinosaur fossils in Egypt’s Western desert. His two short days of prospecting in the Bahariya Oasis revealed a number of Cretaceous-Age (100 million year old) fossils of dinosaur and fish origin littering the ground. The following year, after some extensive fundraising to finance the project, Smith and Dodson put together a team of volunteers. They included Penn graduate paleontology students and geology colleagues, to return to Egypt and search for a new fossil fauna, the lost legacy. The team included geology students Matt Lamanna, Jen Smith and Allison Tumarkin, Patricia Kane-Vanni, Drexel University geology instructor Dr. Ken Lacovara, Academy of Natural Sciences fossil preparator Jason Poole, other volunteers and an intriguing addition, the MPH production company, a major underwriter of the project. MPH shad8

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Dr. Jill Beech, V’72, professor of medicine and chief, section of medicine and reproduction at New Bolton Center, has been appointed the first Georgia E. and Philip B. Hofmann Professor in Equine Medicine and Reproduction.

The new professorship will be celebrated on September 19 at New Bolton Center.

Dr. Beech will give an inaugural lecture entitled “A Tribute to New Bolton Center, Its Patients and Friends.”

Dr. Beech, after graduation, completed an internship in pathology at the School. In 1973 she was an intern at New Bolton Center, then a resident. She was appointed as an instructor in medicine in 1976 and joined the faculty in 1977 as assistant professor of medicine. She became an associate professor in 1983, a full professor in 1993, and

section chief in 2001. Dr. Beech’s primary research interest is in neuromuscular diseases of horses. Dr. Beech is an accomplished potter who has had exhibitions at area galleries. Her pieces are always “snapped up” at the annual SCAVMA Auction.

The Georgia E. and Philip B. Hofmann Professorship is the 18th endowed chair at the School. It was established through the estate of Georgia Hofmann, an owner and breeder of Thoroughbred horses. Mr. and Mrs. Hofmann were avid horse enthusiasts and had a long relationship with the School. In 1970 they established the Georgia and Philip Hofmann Center for Animal Reproduction at New Bolton Center. Mr. Hofmann served on the School’s Board of Overseers and was chairman for a number of years.

Serious Infections Can Guard Against Tumor Growth

by Steven Bradt

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erious infections can retard and even halt the growth of tumors in mammals by blocking the formation of blood vessels that nourish those tumors, researchers at the School have found. The finding, reported in the Cutting Edge section of the May 15 issue of the Journal of Immunology, offers researchers an important new lead on ways to block angiogenesis, the growth of new small arteries and veins.

“This finding suggests that infected animals could be a source of new, extremely potent inhibitors of angiogenesis, the Holy Grail of modern anti-cancer research,” said lead author Andrei Thomas-Tikhonenko, an assistant professor of pathology at the School.

The result also turns on its head decades of dogma among immunologists, who had believed that when the cells of the immune system were mobilized against life-threatening infections, tumors also fell victim to this fortification of the body’s defenses. Now, ThomasTikhonenko’s work has shown that during infection tumors don’t grow even in animals with severely weakened immune systems. This indicates that it’s the suppression of angiogenesis, not antigen-battling lymphocytes and macrophages, that holds the key to this longrecognized phenomenon.

“This is a whole new way of looking at how cancer can be inhibited in mammals,” said John Hibbs, professor of internal medicine and chief of the Infectious Disease Division at the University of Utah, who has conducted research on infection-mediated suppression of tumorigenesis. “For a number of years, immunologists have regarded this process as a cytotoxic effect mediated by lymphocytes and activated macrophages. This work shows that infections also inhibit tumors by a surprisingly different mechanism.”

Thomas-Tikhonenko’s research, which has not fingered a specific factor that blocks angiogenesis in infected animals, creates a kind of scientific whodunit. The Penn team is searching for the mystery molecules, pressed into service by infections, that so strongly inhibit the growth of vascular tissues inside the tumors.

“We are very much interested in identification of these ‘culprits’ because we believe that they will be extremely useful therapeutic agents not only for cancer but also for other diseases

where unwanted angiogenesis takes place,” Thomas-Tikhonenko said. Angiogenesis is known to play a role in diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness, and endometriosis, a major contributor to female infertility.

The first observation that infection interferes with tumor growth was made more than 100 years ago by a New York surgeon, William B. Coley, who noted that streptococcal infection caused regression of soft tissue sarcomas in human patients. Traditionally, this resistance has been explained by stimulation of antitumor immunity.

“However, direct proof of this mechanism has never been obtained, and therapies based on it have not materialized,” ThomasTikhonenko said. “In our paper, we demonstrate, for the first time, that infection-induced resistance need not involve any of the immune responses that might limit tumor growth.”

Two separate lines of evidence suggested to the Penn researchers that the immune system doesn’t play a crucial role in inhibiting tumors.

First, in strains of mice lacking the cells normally found on the front lines of the immune system — T-lymphocytes, macrophages and NK cells — tumor growth was nevertheless suppressed when the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii was contracted. Further support came from the earlier observation that the tumor under investigation, the B16 variant of malignant melanoma, produced no antigens recognizable to the mouse’s immune system.

After he had ruled out the immune system as intermediary between infection and tumorigenesis, Thomas-Tikhonenko was tipped off to angiogenesis’ role by co-author and toxoplasmosis expert Christopher Hunter, associate professor of parasitology at the School. Hunter suggested that the same mouse proteins designed to guard the host against Toxoplasma gondii might also inhibit growth of blood vessels. This suggestion proved correct: in a pilot experiment, the injection of powerful angiogenic compounds into mice with toxoplasmosis failed to induce growth of new blood vessels under the skin, a phenomenon that has important implications for cancer.

The tiniest of tumors don’t require their own blood vessels, relying on simple diffusion of oxygen and nutrients from nearby cells. But by the time they’ve grown to two or three millimeters in size, tumors need the nourishment provided by blood vessels in order to survive.

The laboratories of Thomas-Tikhonenko and William Lee at Penn’s School of Medicine found that at this stage, where angiogenesis becomes crucial, melanomas developing in infected mice experience severe lack of oxygen but are unable to recruit new endothelial cells to produce blood vessels.

Thomas-Tikhonenko’s findings suggest that Toxoplasma gondii-infected animals could be used to purify molecules that halt the sustenance of tumors. Although several antiangiogenic compounds have been recently identified, their efficacies are yet to be proven in clinical trials and none of them has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of cancer patients.

The drive to pinpoint the exact chemical factor that prompts infections to block angiogenesis will likely take months, possibly years.

“It might be a combination of well-known molecules such as interferons or an entirely new compound,” Hunter said.

Thomas-Tikhonenko and Hunter’s coauthors on the Journal of Immunology paper are Duonan Yu, Cam Ngo, Cinzia Sevignani, Michael Goldschmidt and Sidney Evans of Penn’s School of Veterinary Medicine; Michael Gee and William Lee of Penn’s School of Medicine; and Tatyana Golovkina of the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Me. Their work was funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the National Cancer Institute and the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center Pilot Projects Program.

New Faculty Member Dr. Ilana Reisner has been appointed assistant professor of behavioral medicine and director of VHUP’s behavior clinic. Dr. Reisner came to Penn from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine where she was a visiting fellow. She received her D.V.M. degree from the Veterinary College at Oregon State University and then went to Cornell for a Ph.D. in behavioral physiology with an interest in canine aggression.

During part of her residency in behavioral medicine at Cornell, Dr. Reisner was a Morris Animal Foundation Fellow. Dr. Reisner became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists in 1995.

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Feline Symposium he 24th Annual Feline Symposium was held on Saturday, March 24 at VHUP. The event was generously supported by Sheba® and Mrs. R.V. Clark, Jr. and Mrs. Edith Young. Five faculty gave presentations. This year the Parade of Breeds focused on four related breeds which were presented and explained by their breeders. The day ended with the traditional wine and cheese reception, hosted by Liz Clark and Edith Young.

Following are summaries of the faculty presentations:

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Feline Hyperthyroidism — Diagnosis and Treatment Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrinopathy in cats. It is also one of the most debilitating, said Dr. Cynthia Ward, associate professor of medicine at VHUP. Dr. Ward discussed the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment options for feline hyperthyroidism.

Unrecognized in cats until 1979, hyperthyroidism has since become an increasingly common diagnosis. Although the etiology is unknown, recent evidence has linked the disease to the use of canned cat food (2-3-fold risk) and cat litter (3-fold risk). With no reported breed or gender predilection, hyperthyroidism usually occurs in cats older than seven years of age.

Thyroid hormone, which is manufactured by the thyroid gland, produces widespread systemic effects emanating primarily from its role in increasing metabolic rate. In the hyperthyroid cat, the thyroid gland is overproductive as a result of either benign (98% of cases) nodular or generalized hyperplasia.

“The hormone released by these cells that become unregulated makes the cat change in so many ways,” Dr. Ward explained. While sometimes subclinical, feline hyperthyroidism may produce clinical signs that include elevated activity level, ravenous appetite, weight loss, polyuria/polydipsia and vomiting. On physical exam, affected cats may be thin and have a palpable thyroid gland and abnormal cardiac auscultation (tachycardia, gallop rhythm, heart murmurs).

Most cases are diagnosed by an elevated T4 level. For those that cannot be diagnosed by T4 measurement alone, a T3 suppression test or T4 in combination with a free T4 by dialysis

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measurement is usually diagnostic. Since thyroid hormone has multisystemic effects, supplemental tests should be performed in confirmed cases to evaluate other organs and systems that may be affected, particularly the kidneys, heart, nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.

Feline hyperthyroidism can be treated medically, surgically or with radiotherapy (131I), which is the treatment of choice in cats without concurrent renal disease. One subcutaneous injection of 131I, which kills hyperfunctional follicle cells, is curative in 95 percent of cases. The medical treatment of choice is methimazole (Tapazole), which works quickly to regulate thyroid hormone production. The third option is surgery, in which both thyroid glands are usually removed.

Feline Behavior — Common Problems There exist a variety of behavior disorders to which cats are predisposed. In order to minimize suffering for cat and owner alike, these problems should be promptly addressed, said Dr. Diane Frank, whose lecture focused on feline elimination disorders. Feline elimination disorders can be categorized as medical and behavioral. Medical causes, which must be ruled out first, can include feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), renal disease, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, colitis, constipation, arthritis and neoplasia. If medical etiology for a feline elimination disorder is suspected, a variety of tests may be performed, including urinalysis, urine culture and abdominal radiographs. The primary behavioral causes of feline elimination disorders are litter box-associated aversions/preferences and aggression.

Aversions can be associated with litter box type, number, location(s), odor, cleanliness and substrate (type, texture, depth). Preferences, likewise, can be associated with the same variables, particularly substrate factors. How to differentiate a location from a substrate preference? Dr. Frank recommended placing a litter box on the soiled location and then monitoring whether the cat eliminates in the litter box or next to the box. If it is a location preference the cat will use the box. If it is a substrate preference the cat will not use the litterbox in the new location,.

If a substrate preference is suspected, Dr. Frank explained, one might “ask the cat what

the cat prefers” by making available three (different) litter boxes, each with a different litter type.

In multicat households, active and passive intercat aggression may be the root of elimination disorders. Aggression, particularly when passive, can be covert and easily missed. Owners must carefully observe their cats for aggressive behaviors. Elimination disorders can also be manifest as marking, which can occur for various reasons, including social interactions between household cats, presence of outdoor cats, household changes (i.e., new pet or person) and other anxiety-provoking situations.

Treatment for feline elimination disorders varies with the cause. For litter box issues, changes may be made in the box type, number, location(s) or substrate. For intercat aggression, options include no intervention, separating the cats, and interrupting aggressive interactions.

Severe aggression requires environmental changes, behavior modification and medication. To curb marking, psychotropic medications are generally also required.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis:Diagnosis and Treatment of a Diabetic Emergency Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the most severe — and sometimes deadly — sequela of diabetes mellitus (DM). Dr. Rebecka Hess, assistant professor of medicine, presented an overview of DM and DKA. The pancreas produces a variety of critical enzymes and hormones. One of these is insulin, an anabolic hormone that facilitates cellular uptake of glucose, fatty acids and amino acids for storage as carbohydrate, fat and protein. Insulin is the most important problematic hormone in DM. DM occurs in one of two forms. Type I — or insulin-dependent — DM is the form typically seen in cats and dogs. Here, the pancreas does not secrete adequate amount of insulin due to destruction of the beta cells that produce the hormone.

The primary clinical signs of DM, which usually occurs in middle-aged to older cats, are polyuria/polydipsia, weight loss and hind limb lameness. Abnormalities that may be present on physical exam include obesity, hepatomegaly, lethargy, plantigrade stance and acetone breath.

Diagnosis of DM involves documenting glucosuria and persistent hyperglycemia. Other

diagnostics, such as CBC, chemistry panel, urinalysis, and urine culture should also be performed to detect the presence of concurrent diseases like hepatic lipidosis, acute pancreatitis, urinary tract infection, hyperthyroidism and cancer.

Treatment of DM in cats may incorporate several therapeutic modalities: insulin administration, dietary regulation, and oral hypoglycemics. In cats, human ultralente (long-acting) insulin — at a starting dose of 0.5 units/kg BID — is most commonly used. The patient must consume its entire meal prior to each insulin dose. The optimal diet for the diabetic cat contains increased amounts of insoluble fiber and complex carbohydrates, and restricted amounts of fat and protein. Additionally, a urine dipstick should be performed twice daily to monitor for glucosuria and ketonuria, and glucose curves should be done periodically to determine whether the insulin dose needs to be adjusted.

“It’s a lot of work to maintain proper regulation of the diabetic cat,” warned Dr. Hess, who added that the prognosis for these patients is good.

However, DKA a potentially fatal consequence of DM — carries a guarded prognosis.

DKA is caused by the breakdown of intrinsic fat stores into ketoacids, resulting in acidosis.

As a result of extreme electrolyte alterations, affected cats may vomit and become weak, dehydrated, depressed, tachypneic and hypothermic. Emergency treatment with IV fluids/electrolytes and insulin is necessary to correct the acidosis.

Common Feline Emergencies Cats present to the ER for a variety of reasons. Dr. Reid Groman, lecturer in emergency and critical care medicine at VHUP, highlighted three common and potentially serious feline emergencies: feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), feline bronchial asthma, and acetaminophen toxicosis.

FLUTD is a very painful condition wherein a cat “blocks,” or becomes unable to urinate.

Most common in neutered males, FLUTD can occur in females as well. FLUTD is a multifactorial disease; causes include diet, infection, parasites, anatomic abnormalities and urinary crystals. Cats are prone to developing struvite crystals, which are induced by high dietary magnesium. However, with the introduction of

magnesium-reduced, acidified, commercial diets, the incidence of struvite crystals has dropped and that of calcium oxalate crystals has increased.

Nonobstructive FLUTD, more common than obstructive FLUTD, typically presents with bloody urine and frequent, painful urination. It usually resolves spontaneously within a week. Obstructive FLUTD, which occurs almost exclusively in male cats, may be manifest as vomiting, vocalization and depression/ collapse. Diagnosis is made by history, clinical signs, palpation (firm bladder) and laboratory data. Treatment is with IV fluids to perfuse the kidneys and correct electrolyte abnormalities, sedation and catheterization to relieve the obstruction, and close observation for 24-48 hours. The prognosis for recovery is excellent, although some cats are prone to reblocking.

Feline bronchial asthma, a reversible, obstructive airway disease occurring most commonly in one- to six-year-old cats, is manifest by widespread narrowing of the airways.

Possible causes include dusts, molds, pollen, smoke and parasites, although, said Dr. Groman, “We almost never know what sets off asthma in a cat.”

Clinical signs include wheezing, respiratory distress, increased respiratory rate and cyanosis.

Diagnostic tests include radiography and orotracheal lavage. The condition may be treated with oxygen, and injectable/oral/ inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators and antibiotics.

While the prognosis is generally good, Dr. Groman added that “Cats in respiratory distress are amongst our most fragile patients.”

“Acetaminophen toxicosis is one of the most devastating feline emergencies, Dr. Groman explained, “largely because it’s so preventable.”

Cats are uniquely sensitive to acetaminophen, present in most over-the-counter, aspirin-free pain relievers; a single Tylenol is lethal in the absence of rapid treatment. Clinical signs of acetaminophen toxicosis include cyanosis, facial/appendicular edema, respiratory distress and seizures. Affected cats may be treated with orally-administered activated charcoal (if within two-three hours after ingestion) to decrease gastrointestinal absorption, oxygen, IV fluids, vitamin C, acetylcysteine and blood products. The prognosis for recovery is good if treatment is instituted within four to six hours after ingestion.

Feline Nutrition: An Update for Well and Ill Cats Cats have evolved as true carnivores and thus have distinct dietary requirements. Dr. Kathryn Michel, assistant professor of nutrition at VHUP, discussed the unique aspects of feline nutrition.

Because cats have adapted to a diet consisting primarily of animal flesh, they have lost the ability to synthesize a number of amino acids, fatty acids and vitamins that are contained in their natural diet. Perhaps the most important of these are taurine (an amino acid found only in animal protein; taurine deficiency in cats can cause heart disease, retinal degeneration and reproductive failure), arginine (detoxifies the nitrogenous by-products of protein metabolism, a key metabolic pathway in cats) and vitamin A (cats have lost the ability to convert beta-carotene, found in fruits and vegetables, into vitamin A).

While the cat was perfecting its hepatic synthesis of glucose from dietary amino acids (protein), it cast aside its need for dietary carbohydrates. Although highly speculative, links between carbohydrates — which are present in substantial amount in commercial dry foods — and obesity and diabetes mellitus have been made.

For this and other reasons, said Dr. Michel, “People are looking for alternatives to commercial pet foods because they have some concerns about their wholesomeness.”

Hence, raw food diets have come into vogue as of late. However, after analyzing a number of these diets, Dr. Michel found disturbing nutritional imbalances and potentially-dangerous microorganisms therein. Therefore, she does not recommend these diets.

For cats that are on such non-conventional diets or that have increased nutritional demands, dietary supplements may be important. The main supplements thought to benefit cats are L-carnitine, chromium, vanadium and S-adenosyl methionine. However, Dr. Michel cautioned, the benefits of most dietary supplements are highly speculative. Few studies on their safety and efficacy in cats have been performed. And because they are not regulated by the FDA, these products should be used with discretion and under the advice of a veterinarian.

J.C.G.

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VHUP Fire Quickly Extinguished he afternoon of August 14 brought some unwelcome excitement to VHUP. A fire broke out on the roof, causing smoke throughout the hospital. Alarms sounded at 2:50 pm and evacuation began quickly. All patients were safely removed from the hospital by nurses, students and staff.

When the many laddertrucks of the Philadelphia Fire Department arrived, they were greeted by the sight of animals on gurneys, hooked up to fluids and in some cases, oxygen, animals on leashes and in portable crates. They all were calm as they were constantly reassured and petted by nurses, students and staff. The firemen quickly extinguished the blaze on the roof and by 5:15 pm everyone was back in their accustomed places.

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Aazabu Students Come to Learn Each August faculty members who have been to Japan hone their Japanese vocabulary, as it is time for the annual visit of veterinary students from Azabu University, Azabu, Japan.

This year ten students and two faculty members arrived. Eight students spent their time accompanying Penn veterinary students through clinic rotations at VHUP and two Azabu students did the same at New Bolton Center.

The group spent 11 days at Penn and from their comments during the goodbye ceremony, they had an enriching and enjoyable time at the two hospitals.

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Dr.David Knight Retires

“Everyone was fantastic,” said Barry Stupine, vice dean and director of the hospital. “People knew exactly what to do and how to evacuate the animals quickly and safely.” Once animals and people where settled back in VHUP, office staff phoned all the owners of the hospitalized pets to tell them that their animals were safely back in the wards.

There were no injuries to either animals or people. The damage to the building was on the fourth floor. The news of the fire spread quickly and the news media flocked to the VHUP area with helicopters, cameras, microphones and notepads. Each of the five local TV channels, the radio and both papers carried the story and the emphasis was on how animal patients were safely evacuated from the building and made comfortable in various locations.

Dr. David Knight, professor of cardiology and chief, section of cardiology, retired on June 30, 2001.

Dr. Knight, a 1962 graduate of Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, came to Penn in 1964 to study at the then Division of Graduate Medicine and to join the School’s Comparative Vascular Studies Unit, which pioneered the study of veterinary cardiology.

On the faculty since 1967, Dr. Knight is a charter member of the American College of Internal Medicine and a member of the American Heart Association and the American Heartworm Society. During his tenure at the School, Dr. Knight served on many committees and was chief of the section of cardiology for many years. His primary research interests were pulmonary hypertension and heartworm disease.

Dr. Knight celebrated his retirement with a trip to Alaska!

Barry Stupine, director of VHUP, has been promoted to vice dean for administration and finance. In July, Mr. Stupine, former dean Robert R. Marshak, and Dr. Neils Peterson of UC Davis, went to Israel to consult at the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine at Hebrew University on faculty and academic issues, organizational issues and finances.

Dr. Charles Newton has stepped down as associate dean and is taking a sabbatical leave.

Dr. Jeffrey Wortman, V’69, associate professor of radiology, has been promoted to associate dean of the School. Malcolm Keiter has been promoted to assistant dean for admissions and Ashra Markowitz has been promoted to assistant dean for student affairs.

Dr. Pamela Wilkins, assistant professor of medicine and reproduction, gave two platform talks at the ACVIM Forum in Denver, one on “Magnesium Infusion in Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy” and the other on “Rabies in Large Animals” (the abstract was co-authored

by Fabio Del Piero). Dr. Wilkins also presented a lecture on West Nile Virus to the Philadelphia Society for Religion and Science.

administrator, won a Models of Excellence Award in April. This award is presented monthly by the University for suggestions that increase efficiency.

Dr. Gail Smith, V’74, professor of surgery and chair, Department of Clinical Studies, Philadelphia, presented a paper with data derived from the PennHIP database at the Veterinary Orthopaedic Society meeting in March, in Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada.

Dr. Cynthia Ward, V’87, was promoted to associate professor of medicine. Dr. Ward received an American Heart Association Research Grant.

Dr. Benson Martin, V’80, was promoted to associate professor of equine sports medicine.

Dr. Michaela Kristula was promoted to associate professor of medicine in field service.

Dr. Gary Smith, professor of population biology and epidemiology, completed his one-year tenure as President of the New Jersey Society of Parasitologists in June 2001. Dr. Smith has

one-year grant from the University of Pennsylvania Research Foundation for a project entitled “Functional Analysis of the VP24 Protein of Ebola Virus.” He presented a poster at the 20th Annual Summer Symposium in Molecular Biology on Emerging Viral Diseases at Penn State University in June; the poster’s title was “Rhabdoviruses and the Cellular Ubiquitin/Proteasome System: A Budding Interaction?”

Johanna “Jeleen” Briscoe, V’02, won the Association of Avian Veterinarians’ 2001 student manuscript competition with a paper entitled “Non-medical risk factors for feather picking in pet parrots”. She was invited to present this paper at the AAV annual meeting in Orlando, Fla., August 2001.

Dr. Robert Poppenga, associate professor of veterinary toxicology, was the keynote speaker at the annual meeting of the Japanese Society of Clinical Toxicology in Tokyo in July. His topic was “The One Medicine Concept: Applications in Veterinary and Human Clinical Toxicology”. He also lectured to practicing veterinarians, veterinary students and veterinary faculty at Azabu University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu, Japan.

Rosettes & Ribbons some recent accomplishments of note at the School

Dr. Christopher Hunter was promoted to associate professor of parasitology.

Dr. Karen Rosenthal, staff veterinarian at VHUP, gave a talk on small mammals at the SAVAB-Flanders meeting in Belgium in May. Dr. Fabio Del Piero, assistant professor of pathology, was a platform speaker at the ACVIM Forum in May. He received grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for the study of bovine virus diarrhea virus (BVDV), avian influenza and paralytic equine herpesvirus 1 infections. He received an USDA formula fund grant to study the pathogenesis of West Nile virus natural infection in horses. In June, Dr. Del Piero was an invited speaker at the Jurak Symposium of Comparative Human and Veterinary Pathology: “Viral intestinal diseases of production and companion animals;” at the Central Veterinary Laboratory, Budapest, Hungary: “Equine Viral Arteritis;” University of Milan, Italy: “Foot and Mouth Disease;” and at the University of Turin, Italy: “An introduction to West Nile flavivirus and eastern equine encephalitis alphavirus.”

Kelly Ardis, director of budget and finance for the School, and Robert Sadoff, business

Dr. Alexander Reiter written an English Pantomime (“Dick Whittington and his cat”) which was performed by the resident acting company at the People’s Light and Theatre, Malvern, Pa., in June and July 2001.

Dr. Mark Haskins, V’69, professor of pathology, received a grant with Drs. Urs Giger and Matthew Ellinwood from the National MPS Society to develop and characterize an animal model of mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB. Dr. Haskins presented a paper at the 4th American Society of Gene Therapy on “Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Correction of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Storage in Feline Mucopolysaccharidosis VI” in Seattle. He has been asked to serve on the organizing committee of the 7th International Symposium on Mucopolysaccharidosis and Related Diseases in Paris in 2001.

Dr. Cynthia M. Otto has been promoted to associate professor of critical care medicine.

Dr. Rebecka Hess has been appointed assistant professor of medicine.

Dr. Ronald Harty, assistant professor of microbiology, received the Pfizer Award for Research Excellence 2001. Dr. Harty received a

passed dental boards and is a diplomate of American Veterinary Dental College.

Dr. Carl E. Aronson, associate professor emeritus of pharmacology/toxicology, was recently awarded the Lloyd E. Davis Award of the American Academy of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics’ (AAVPT). This prestigious honor is given for outstanding contributions over an entire career to the advancement and extension of knowledge in the fields of veterinary or comparative pharmacology. The presentation by AAVPT President Dr. Scott A. Brown took place on May 22, 2001 in Denver Colorado during AAVPT’s 12th Biennial Symposium, in conjunction with the American College of Veterinary Intermal Medicine meeting.

Amy Bogdanoff, administrative assistant in medical genetics, has been elected secretary of the A-3 Assembly at the University for the coming year. Mary Grau of medical anatomy, has been elected vice-chair of the assembly.

Trish DiPietrae, executive assistant to the dean, has been elected vice chair of the Penn Professional Assembly. (continued on page 14)

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Rosettes & Ribbons Dr. Evelyn S. Ivey, lecturer, special species medicine, received a grant from the Chinchilla Health Information Network to study normal cardiologic, radiographic, and hematologic parameters in healthy chinchillas.

Dr. Gerhard Schad, professor of parasitology, is spending his six months sabbatical at the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural College, Copenhagen, Denmark. He presented a paper at the US-Japan Medical Conference in July in Washington. Dr. Schad has been voted to an honorary membership in the World Association for Veterinary Parasitology. This was announced at the annual meeting of the group in Stresa, Italy in August.

Dr. Charles Benson, professor of microbiology, was honored by the Boy Scouts of America for his volunteer work. Dr. Benson was presented the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award given by the organization to adult volunteers. Dr. Benson received a grant from the Pennsylvania Animal Health Commission for his study “Treatment of Staphylococcal mastitis using specific bacteriophage.”

Dr. Shelley Rankin, research assistant professor, presented two papers about drug resistance in Salmonella strains at the National Antibiotic Resistance Monitoring System meeting in May in Maryland.

Dr. Roselyn Eisenberg, professor of microbiology, and her colleagues, Dr. Gary H. Cohen, professor of microbiology at the School of Dental Medicine, and Dr. Tao Peng and Dr. Gary Dubin, received an U.S. Patent for a Soluble Herpesvirus Glycoprotein Complex Vaccine. The vaccine is against the herpes simplex virus.

Dr. Bruce Freedman has been appointed assistant professor of pathology. Dr. Freedman received a NIH grant for his project “HIV-1 Env and macrophage chemokine receptor ionic signaling.”

Dr. Michael Goldschmidt, professor of pathology, has been appointed as laboratory head of the laboratory of pathology and toxicology.

Dr. James Lok, associate professor of parasitology, received a grant from Fort Dodge Animal Health to investigate 12-month prophylactic activity of injectable moxidectin against canine heartworm. Dr. Lok presented talks at the 2001 Heartworm Symposium in San Antonio, Texas in April.

Dr. Patricia McManus, V’80, was promoted to 14

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associate professor of pathology.

Dr. Oriol Sunyer, assistant professor of microbiology, received a National Science Foundation grant for his study “Role of C3 diversity in innate immune reactions of Teleost fish.”

Dr. Andrei Thomas-Tikhonenko, assistant professor of pathology, received a Pilot Program Grant from the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center for his study “Infectionmediated Suppression of Tumor Vascularization and Growth.”

Dr. Thomas Van Winkle, V’75, has been promoted to professor of pathology.

Dr. Joan Hendricks, V’79, Henry and Corinne R. Bower Professor of Medicine, received a research grant from the University Research Foundation for her project “Neural and Genetic Substrates of Drosophila Rest.”

Dr. Paula Henthorn, associate professor of medical genetics, received a grant form the University Research Foundation for her study “Molecular Characterization of a Canine Model of Human Nonsyndromic Deafness.”

Dr. Jose Gardia-Lopez, V’96, lecturer in sports medicine, and Dr. Elizabeth LaFond, lecturer in surgery, passed their boards and are now diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgery.

Dr. David Kritchevsky, Caspar Wistar Scholar, professor of biochemistry, was awarded a Honorary Doctor of Science degree by Purdue University. Dr. Kritchevsky was recognized for “outstanding contributions to nutrition research elucidating the unique tole of lipids, calories and fiber in human nutrition and disease.” The American Oil Chemists’ Society elected Dr. Kritchevsky a Fellow of the AOCS. The School received awards from NIH and the Merck-Merial Animal Health Grants Program to support innovative research by veterinary students. Sixteen students are spending three months this summer engaged in research projects at New Bolton Center, Philadelphia and the University. They are mentored by School faculty and University faculty.

Dr. Robert Whitlock, associate professor of medicine, recently served as the keynote speaker at the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association Meeting Large Animal Session, presenting the most recent information on Johne’s Disease in cattle, including the proposed National Indemnity program for Johne’s Disease in dairy cattle.

Other presentations on Johne’s Disease were made at the Northeast United States Animal Health meeting in Delaware. Dr. Whitlock recently was awarded a subcontract to develop immunomagnetic separation techniques for improved diagnostics for Johne’s Disease in cattle, from the USDA , Small Business Innovation Research Program in conjunction with Dr. Joe Crabb at ImmunCell Corporation in Portland, Me. Dr. Adrian Morrison, professor of behavioral science, has been elected vice president of the Pennsylvania Society for Biomedical Research.

Lindback Award for Dr.Sertich Dr. Patricia Sertich, V’83, associate professor of reproduction, received the Lindback Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Following are the comments published in the Almanac announcement of the awards: “Dr. Sertich joined the faculty in 1992. She has won the Student Government Teaching Award in 1998 and twice received the Carl J. Norden Distinguished Teaching Award. Her teaching evaluations are consistently outstanding with over ninety percent of the students rating her as excellent.

The comments for the Lindback nomination ranged from “Dr. Sertich is everyone’s favorite teacher” to “the best professor I have had in Vet School” to a “god.”

Students commented frequently on her sense of humor and actually having fun in the classroom. She achieves an instant rapport with students.

In addition, a number of letters from former students attest to the lasting impact Dr. Sertich has had on those in her classes: “I found myself quoting from her lectures just a couple of days ago” one former student writes, while another comments: “The lessons and the feeling of having been exposed to a great teacher have not faded; I have relied quite heavily on her lecture notes since graduation.” “I attribute my choice of career specialty and my clinical skills to Dr. Sertich.” Dr. Sertich loves to teach and certainly deserves recognition for her service to students. The Lindback affords that recognition.”

Veterinary School Teaching Awards eterinary faculty, students and staff celebrated at the University Museum on April 21—it was the night of the annual Veterinary Medical Student Government Teaching Awards.

Dean Alan M. Kelly began the ceremonies as he presented the Dean’s Award for Leadership in Clinical Dr. Kristula Science Education to Dr. Michaela Kristula, associate professor of medicine at New Bolton Center. Dr. Michael Atchison, professor of biochemistry, received the Dr. Atchison Dean’s Award in Basic Science Education. These two awards each year honor one faculty member each from the clinical departments and the basic science departments who have made outstanding contribuDr. Baird tions to teaching in their disciplines.

Dr. Debra Baird, assistant professor of radiology, received the Carl J. Norden Distinguished Teacher Award established in 1963 “to recogDr. Ward nize outstanding teachers who, through their ability, dedication, character and leadership, contribute significantly to the advancement of the profession.”

Dr. Smith The four classes then honored the faculty members they considered to be outstanding teachers. The Class of 2001 presented its award to Dr. Cynthia Ward, associate proDr. Holt fessor of medicine, and Dr. Billy Smith, assistant professor of field service. Dr. David Holt, associate professor of surgery, and Dr. Debra Baird, assistant professor of radiolDr. Craig ogy, were honored by the

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Class of 2002. Dr. Linden Craig, assistant professor of pathology, received the Class of 2003 Award. The Class of 2004 honored Dr. Paul Orsini, assistant professor of anatomy.

Dr. Orsini The Class of 2001 presented the Resident Teaching Award to Dr. Yvonne Elce and Dr. Shannon Parsons. The Intern Teaching Award was presented Dr. Elce to Dr. Jamie Burkitt. Jennifer Wrigley and Alison McKenna received the Class of 2001 Technician Teaching Award.

The Veterinary Medical Student Government ComDr. Parsons mendation Awards were presented to Rob Sigafoos, farrier at New Bolton, Virginia Topkis, surgery research technician at NBC, and Dr. James Wilson, associate professor Dr. Burkitt of risk management.

The William B. Boucher Award for Outstanding Teaching at New Bolton Center by a House Officer was presented to Dr. Elce.

Ms. McKenna The Jules and Lucy Silver Award was presented to Dr. Rachel Wheeler. The Gretchen Wolf Swartz Award for Outstanding Nursing at New Bolton Mr. Sigafoos Center was received by Colleen Klein.

Dr. Garrrett Davis received the Interns’ Award for OutMs. Topkis standing Teaching by a Resident. Dr. Kenneth Drobatz received the Residents’ Award for Outstanding Teaching by a Faculty Member.

Dr. Wilson Jennifer Wrigley and

Roxanne Bachman each received the Veterinary Technician Teaching Award presented by the Harcum College Practicum students. The recipients of the Senior Student Patient Care Award Ms. Klein were: Megan Andeer, V’01, Lisa Noble, V’01, Raymond Rainers, V’01 and Christy Williams, V’01.

During the School’s Alumni Day celebrations on May 20 at New Dr. Davis Bolton Center, the Veterinary Medical Alumni Society presented the Veterinary Medical Alumni Society Excellence in Dr. Drobatz Teaching Award to Dr. Michael Goldschmidt, professor of pathology. This annual award is presented by the VMAS to an educator recommended by recent Dr. Goldschmidt graduates.

Peter Francis Anatomy Award In May, Dr. Richard M. Miselis, head of the laboratories of anatomy, announced the winners of the Peter Francis Anatomy Award for the Classes of 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004: Class of 2001—Darren L. Richards Class of 2002—Melissa D. Sanchez Class of 2003—Lisa Perlman Class of 2004—Mandy M. Becker The Peter Francis Anatomy Award was established in 1993 and is given to the student in each class who has the highest cumulative grades in the four core courses organized by the Laboratories of Anatomy.

These are Gross Anatomy, Histology, Development, and Neuroscience. The Award includes a cash prize of $250, and the student’s name is engraved on the Anatomy Award plaque which is mounted in the vestibule of the Marookian Auditorium.

The student’s achievement is also announced in the graduation program.

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116th Commencement ommencement exercises for the Class of 2001 were held on May 21 at the Zellerbach Theatre, Annenberg Center.

The V.M.D. degree was awarded to 101 graduates, 74 women and 27 men. After the Academic Procession and entry of Candidates, Dean Alan Kelly welcomed the audience.

Chairperson of the School’s Board of Overseers, Christine Connelly, congratulated the graduates. The Commencement Address was delivered by Peter Charles Doherty, B.V.Sc., M.V.Sc., Ph.D., F.R.S., chairman of the department of immunology, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenn. Dr. Doherty, the first veterinarian to receive a Nobel Prize, earlier in the day had been awarded an University of Pennsylvania hon-

orary Doctor of Science Degree.

Dean Kelly presented the diplomas to the newly hooded veterinarians. He was assisted by Dr. Michael Atchison, Dean’s Awardee for Leadership in Basic Science Education, and by Dr. Michaela Kristula, Dean’s Awardee for Leadership in Clinical Science Education, and Associate Dean Charles D. Newton.

Elizabeth A. Arbittier, class president, gave a talk and then received the class flag from Dr. Eric Bregman, V’95, president of the Veterinary Medical Alumni Society. Dr. Patricia Sertich, V’83, recipient of the Lindback Award for Excellence in Teaching, assisted Dean Kelly with the awarding of prizes and Dr. Jeffrey Wortman, V’69, associate dean for curricular affairs, recognized the honor graduates.

Class of 2001

Susan Estelle Gardner *** Christine Marie Gebert Daniel Mark Goldner Meryl Laura Gupta Dorian Lynn Haldeman * Dana Jeanne Frances Harkin Stephanie Joseph Haugen Kristen Sands Haviland Kenneth Loren Heilpern Traci Renae Holder * Edward Mini Hsu Dawn Christine Hunsberger Carrie Ann Hutchinson Monica Villar Ilardi Elizabeth Jo Johnson Scott Jeffrey Kandell Heather Maguire Kerr Danielle Marie Kitz ** Kimberly Ann Klesse Eric Desombre Lombardini Kristina Gui-Qing Lu Jennifer Ann Makem Michael Phillip Mansfield Jennifer Mary Marsden Kathleen Ann Marsh Margaret Anne McElwain-Siems Megan Therese McGlinn Brennen Arthur McKenzie ** Cheyney Meadows ** Lori Ann Miles ** Adam Dale Miller Jamie Ellen Murphy Samantha Coles Murray Lisa Christine Noble Marie Suzanne Paar Heidi Phillips ***

C

Beth Rachel Adler Christine Marie Adreani *** Elizabeth Bingham Agnew Veronica Maria Ann Aksmanović Patricia Diana Alexander * Megan Elizabeth Andeer Elizabeth Audrey Arbittier Lydia Aris Deborah Anne Aronson ** Natalie Sabrina Austin Christina Marie Barndt Christina Sue Barr Katherine Michelle Bates Stephanie Renèe Bupp Becker Blayne Paula Bergenstock Meredith Ann Borakove * Todd Andrew Calsyn Elsa Ileana Campos Jonathan Mark Castro Teresa Leigh Davenport Timothy John Davenport Ellen Tomi Davison Christy Lyn Decker Randall Derbin Alexis Regina Dowidchuk Debra Sue Eisenstein Ruth Lillianne Magoon Eriksson Rachael Feigenbaum Emilie Appleton Fleming Jennifer Forsyth-Hannon Amy Lynn Franklin *** Christina Lynn Fuoco Diane Marie Gabriel Cailin Hollahan Galvin 16

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Dr. Mark Guise, V’82, president of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, administered the veterinarian’s oath.

The newly minted V.M.D.s marched out of the theatre to traditional music to celebrate their accomplishment with families and friends during a reception.

Matthew Downs Quinn Raymond Charles Reiners Darren Lee Richards ** Robert Willard Richardson, Jr. Barry Harrison Rickman Hope Renee Rinehimer Diana Patricia Risel Shelly Renee Rodewald Scott Rosenbloom Marjorie Lynne Rosmarin Robert John Ludwig Runde Tiffany Lauren Scanlon * Carrie Ann Schlachter Mathew Eliot Schmitt Douglas Steven Scipioni Aliza Joy Simeone *** Julie Elizabeth Stephenson Jason Ward Stull ** Jennifer Yeager Tavares Juliene Lynn Throop *** Lisa Michelle Trachtenberg Brian Robert Turgeon * René Alfredo Varela Eugenia Vassiliev Mellissa Lynn Voll Katherine Ann Wentworth Jonathan Penn Wilkerson Regan Michelle Williams * Alberta Maryethel Wister Stefanie Worwag Halleck Ross Wrigley

***Summa Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude *Cum Laude

Photography by Tommy Leonardi

Award Recipients Leonard Pearson Prize Eric Desombre Lombardini J.B. Lippincott Prize Susan Estelle Gardner 1930 Class Prize in Surgery Heidi Phillips Auxiliary to the American Veterinary Medical Association Prize Patricia Diana Alexander Auxiliary to the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association Prize Small Animal Award Samantha Coles Murray Large Animal Award Elizabeth Audrey Arbittier

American College of Veterinary Radiology Award Brennen Arthur McKenzie American College of Veterinary Surgeons Prizes Small Animal Surgery Prize Juliene Lynn Throop Large Animal Surgery Prize Jamie Ellen Murphy Banfield Family-Pet Bond Award Shelly Renee Rodewald Everingham Prize for Cardiology Juliene Lynn Throop

George M. Palmer Prize Carrie Ann Schlachter

Field Service Prize Stefanie Worwag

Pharmacia & Upjohn Awards Small Animal Award Brennen Arthur McKenzie Large Animal Award Tiffany Lauren Scanlon

The Peter Francis Anatomy Award Darren Lee Richards Hill’s Award Marjorie Lynne Rosmarin

Phi Zeta Award Amy Lynn Franklin

Iams/VECCS Award for Excellence in Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Katherine Michelle Bates

American Association of Feline Practitioners Award Megan Elizabeth Andeer

Merck Awards Small Animal Award Raymond Charles Reiners Large Animal Award Aliza Joy Simeone 1956 Class Medal for Achievement in Pathology Christine Marie Adreani Aliza Joy Simeone

Faculty/Student Chapter, AVMA Prize Robert Willard Richardson, Jr.

American Animal Hospital Association Award Adam Dale Miller

Large Animal Surgery Prize Christine Marie Adreani

James Hazlitt Jones Prize in Biochemistry Susan Estelle Gardner Large Animal Medicine Prize Tiffany Lauren Scanlon

Charles F. Reid Sports Medicine and Imaging Award Carrie Ann Schlachter Lynn Sammons Food Animal Award Christine Marie Gebert Morris L. Ziskind Prize in Food Animal Medicine Cheyney Meadows Morris L. Ziskind Prize in Public Health Brennen Arthur McKenzie

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Alumni Weekend 2001 O n May 18 to May 20, many alumni and their guests enjoyed attending a variety of Alumni Weekend 2001 events this year on both the School’s Philadelphia and New Bolton Center campuses. From the Classes Without Quizzes presentation on “FreeRunning Horses: The Natural Life and Lessons Learned” by Sue McDonnell, Ph.D., to a Special Species Medicine continuing education course, and from the School’s first ever appearance in Penn’s Parade of Classes to the Alumni Picnic at New Bolton Center, Alumni Weekend 2001 was an exciting time for alumni to return to Penn.

Please mark May 10-12, 2002, for Alumni Weekend 2002 and reunions for classes ending in “2” or “7”.

Steven W. Atwood, V’80, Lucy Silver, and Jules Silver, V’47, at Saturday’s Alumni Day Picnic in Philadelphia.

Members of the Class of 1941 outside of Allam House.

Members of the Class of 1951 at Sunday’s Alumni Picnic at New Bolton Center.

Robert W. Stewart, Sr., V’68, 1999-2001 Veterinary Medical Alumni Society President, holding the School of Veterinary Medicine’s flag during the School’s first ever appearance in the Alumni Weekend 2001 Parade of Classes on Locust Walk.

From left to right: Jennifer Lyle Platt,V’91, Katherine A. Jackson, V’91, and Andrew P. Jackson, enjoying Saturday’s Alumni Day Picnic in Philadelphia.

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Kids brought their “injured” stuffed animals and had them restored to health by the School’s students at the M*A*S*H Tent.

Frank A Mondi, V’66, and William D. Hardy Jr., V’66, at the Dean’s Alumni Reception at New Bolton Center’s Allam House.

The pony rides were a highlight again during Sunday’s Alumni Picnic at New Bolton Center.

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Jack Bregman, V’66, and Max J. Herman, V’59, enjoy a laugh after the Veterinary Medical Alumni Society Annual Meeting at New Bolton Center.

Members of the Class of 1951 celebrated their 50th reunion with a dinner following the Dean’s Alumni Reception at the Allam House.

During Sunday’s Veterinary Medical Alumni Society Annual Meeting at New Bolton Center, Dr. Michael H. Goldschmidt, professor of pathology, is speaking after being presented with the Veterinary Medical Alumni Society Excellence in Teaching Award. This annual award is presented by VMAS to an educator recommended by recent graduates.

Members of the Class 1941 celebrated their 60th reunion at Sunday’s Alumni Picnic at New Bolton Center.

Member of the Class of 1966 celebrated their 35th reunion at Sunday’s Alumni Picnic at New Bolton Center.

Members of the Class of 1961 celebrated their 40th reunion at Sunday’s Alumni Picnic at New Bolton Center.

Members of the Class of 1991 (and future alumni) celebrated their 10th reunion at Sunday’s Alumni Picnic at New Bolton Center.

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Photography by Jon Adams/hi5photos

During Sunday’s Veterinary Medical Alumni Society Annual Meeting at New Bolton Center, Robert W. Stewart, Sr., V’68 (right), 1999-2001 Veterinary Medical Alumni Society President, is passing the President’s gavel to Eric M. Bregman, V’95, 2001-03 Veterinary Medical Alumni Society President.

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During the Annual Meeting of the Veterinary Medical Alumni Society (VMAS) of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine on May 20, 2001, three alumni received a 2001 Alumni Award of Merit. They are: Dr. Earl Wesley Cook, a 1936 graduate. A resident of Huntingdon Valley, Pa., he cofounded QC, Inc., a commercial laboratory for testing and quality control of milk, food, water, and the environment.

Dr. Charles D. Knecht, a 1956 graduate. A resident of Opelika, Ala., he is a former Professor and Head of the Department of Small Animal Surgery and Medicine at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Suzanne Ruch Jenkins, a 1966 graduate.

A resident of Richmond, Va., she is assistant state epidemiologist in the Virginia Department of Health Office of Epidemiology.

The VMAS honors alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their profession and the School with the Alumni Award of Merit. The award is given annually to recognize distinguished graduates for their contributions that advance knowledge in biomedicine, promote the welfare of animals through public education of animal owners, and benefit society through civic activities which foster the advancement of the profession and the School’s good name.

University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Medical Alumni Society Salutes

University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Medical Alumni Society Salutes

University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Medical Alumni Society Salutes

Earl Wesley Cook, V.M.D.

Charles D. Knecht, V.M.D., M.S.

Class of 1936

Class of 1956

Suzanne Ruch Jenkins, V.M.D., M.P.H.

For co-founding QC, Inc., a commercial laboratory for testing and quality control of milk, food, water, and the environment.

For taking a leadership role in Pennsylvania’s dairy industry by serving as President of the Pennsylvania Dairy Laboratory Directors Association and as an officer of the Pennsylvania Dairy Sanitarians Association.

For taking an active interest in your profession as a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association.

For your continuous commitment to your alma mater as a Class Agent.

For your service to the community that promotes the good name of the School of Veterinary Medicine, most notably as Chairman and Chairman Emeritus of Fox Chase Bank and as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and as a member of the Advisory Board of Bethany Baptist Church.

For being recognized with the Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Membership.

For your family’s legacy of nine University of Pennsylvania graduates.

The Alumni Award of Merit is presented to you this 20th day of May 2001.

For educating many veterinarians for more than 35 years in your faculty positions at various veterinary schools, most notably as Professor and Head of the Department of Small Animal Surgery and Medicine at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.

For taking leadership roles with various veterinary professional associations including the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians, the American Veterinary Neurology Association, and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

For your numerous honors that promote the School of Veterinary Medicine’s good name, including many teaching awards during your distinguished academic career; the Annual Award by the Alabama Academy of Veterinary Practice; and the Heinz Cycle Award by the American Animal Hospital Association.

For your research projects that have led to new discoveries and for sharing your findings through numerous published articles and scientific presentations.

For your service to civic organizations including the Lee County, Alabama, Heart Association, and the Auburn University Academy for Lifelong Learners.

The Alumni Award of Merit is presented to you this 20th day of May 2001.

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From left to right: Charles D. Knecht, V’56, Earl Wesley Cook, V’36, and Suzanne Ruch Jenkins, V’66.

Class of 1966 For taking leadership roles in the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians and serving as Chair of the Compendium of Animal Rabies Control and Prevention.

For your service to the American Veterinary Medical Association as Chair of the Council on Public Health and Regulatory Veterinary Medicine and for serving on the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists Executive Committee.

For numerous honors that promote the School of Veterinary Medicine’s good name, most notably for being named an Honorary Diplomat by the American Veterinarian Epidemiology Society and for receiving the Society’s K. F. Meyer/James H. Steele Gold Head Cane Award, and for being named Distinguished Virginia Veterinarian.

For successfully obtaining numerous grants to conduct research in a variety of public health and epidemiology subjects, including Public Health Preparedness and Response to Bioterrorism in Virginia.

For educating veterinarians and veterinary technicians as an adjunct professor and lecturer for over 10 years.

For your contributions to books, journals, and other written materials, which have advanced the knowledge of your fellow professionals.

The Alumni Award of Merit is presented to you this 20th day of May 2001.

Photograph by Jon Adams/hi5photos

2001 Alumni Award of Merit Recipients

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Class Notes 1952 According to Calvin Moon, 1952 Class Agent, Joseph M Stoyak and his wife, Michele, visit New Orleans twice a year. In April 1996, Dr. Stoyak retired as chief of staff at the Rowley Memorial Animal Hospital, which is operated by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in Springfield, Mass. He now performs mostly orthopedic surgery at several area hospitals. Also, according to Dr. Moon, Sidney H. Flaxman is recovering from a stroke he suffered last year.

1954 During the Northwestern Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association’s regular meeting in March 2001, Melvin E. Vaclavik was honored with the Service Award for his dedicated years of service in veterinary medicine. After serving as president of NWPVMA in 1960 he then became the secretary-treasurer in 1966.

Dr. Vaclavik served in this position for 35 years having missed only five regularly scheduled meetings.

1958 Col. George F. Orthey, Jr., was profiled in the May 11, 2001, issue of The Sentinel of Carlisle, Pa. His Newport, Pa., company, Orthey Instruments, manufactures autoharps.

The company sponsors the annual Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering in Newport, which features concerts and workshops by internationally acclaimed autoharp performers and teachers. According to the executive director of the Perry County, Pa. Council of the Arts, “Thanks to George, Newport is the autoharp center of the universe.” Dr. Orthey served for 28 years in the United States Army Veterinary Corps before handcrafting autoharps full-time.

1959 Todd Addis, a Master of Foxhounds, has followed in the footsteps of his late father, Clarkson Addis, Sr., V’17, who founded and was Master of Foxhounds of the Perkiomen Valley Hunt, which later merged with the Whitelands Hunt, both in Southeastern Pennsylvania. He is a breeder of the Penn-Marydel variety of American foxhounds continuing the bloodlines his father established. Dr. Addis

published an interesting account of his father’s work with Penn-Marydel foxhounds and foxhunting in the March 2001 issue of the Friends of Penn-Marydel newsletter. According to Dr. Addis, “Neither one of us distinguished ourselves as veterinarians, but just tried to be good old country vets that served our communities with dedication and a clear conscience.”

1963 Sherbyn W. Ostrich was honored with the American Veterinary Medical Association President’s Award during the AVMA Annual Convention in July 2001. The award is given to individuals inside and outside veterinary medicine who have had a positive impact on animal or public health, veterinary organizations, and the profession. A past president of the AVMA, Dr. Ostrich was selected for his pioneering achievement to engender a greater awareness of the changing economics of veterinary medicine.

1968 Donald B. Shatto is the veterinarian of Sheena, a dog that was inducted into the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association/Ralston Purina Animal Hall of Fame during the Association’s Annual Meeting in March 2001. Sheena, a three-year-old lab and golden retriever mix, was inducted in the Companion Category, which recognizes animals that have provided a benefit to their human companions or community, for being the constant companion of an 82-year-old woman. The woman’s family says Sheena gives her purpose each day.

1982 During the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association’s Annual Meeting in March 2001, Maria Iannone was honored with a Distinguished Service Award for her contributions to the Association and the profession.

During the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association’s Annual Meeting in March 2001, Suzanne J. Smith was elected President-elect for 2001-02. Dr. Smith is also the veterinarian of Caber, a dog that was inducted into the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association/Ralston Purina Animal Hall of Fame during the Association’s Annual Meeting. Caber, a four-year-old German Shepherd, received special recognition for being a hero for saving his human-family’s children from an attack by a rabid raccoon. He

is a registered therapy dog who visits schools and nursing homes, and a hard-worker who enjoys competing as a herding utility dog.

1983 During the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association’s Annual Meeting in March 2001, Mark W. Logan was elected President for 2001-02.

Kevin C. Skinner was recently promoted to Senior Vice President of Genzyme Corporation, a leading biotechnology company in Boston. Prior to the promotion, he managed a 27-person research group and completed his MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. In his new position, he will manage the Biosurgery Division’s Research and Development Department, which is developing gene therapy and tissue engineered products for cardiovascular indications.

1987 Christopher N. Garruba started the Nassau Animal Hospital in Princeton, N.J., in January 2001. The small animal hospital’s mascot is 15year-old Ben, a fox terrier, who was adopted from VHUP by Dr. Garruba in his fourth-year as a student.

1991 During the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association’s Annual Meeting in March 2001, Joyce R. Koch was honored as the constituent association Veterinarian of the Year of the South Jersey Veterinary Medical Association.

1992 Patricia M. Hogan’s pen and ink drawing, “Just Curious,” was featured on the cover of the June 15, 2001, issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. She completed the drawing during a three-day trail ride moving a herd of Angus cattle through Wyoming’s Big Horn Mountain Range, where she spent a summer while a student rounding up cattle on a ranch in Big Horn. She is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, specializing in equine surgery in Clarksburg, N.J.

1994 Stephanie J. Murphy has been board-certified by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine. Dr. Murphy is an assistant B E L LW E T H E R 5 0

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professor in the Department of Comparative Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, in Baltimore, Md.

1995 After completing an internship in the Section of Medical Genetics at VHUP, Steven E. Suter will be serving as a resident in Oncology at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine.

1996 Karen M. Froberg is the veterinarian of Mattey, a dog that was inducted into the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association/Ralston Purina Animal Hall of Fame during the Association’s Annual Meeting in March 2001. Matty, a 12-year-old Lhasa Apso, was inducted in the Hero Category, which recognizes animals that have saved or preserved human life, for saving both human and animal lives by alerting his owner to a house fire. His efforts are so notable as he has an eye condition that has left him almost completely blind.

Caroline K. Garzotto has been board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

1997 Amy I. Bentz finished a large animal neonatology/perinatology internship at New Bolton Center’s George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals and started a large animal medicine residency in July.

Jennifer Chaitman, Heather Peikes, V’98, and two former VHUP residents will be opening a specialty practice, Veterinary Internal Medicine and Allergy Specialists, in New York City in September 2001. Following a small animal internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City, Dr. Chaitman completed her Internal Medicine residency at VHUP and is currently working for the Medicine Section. Dr. Peikes served as an intern for 1998-99 in Small Animal Medicine and as a resident for 19992001 in Dermatology, both at VHUP. The two former VHUP residents are Susan E. Kimmel and Patricia Kull. Dr. Kimmel served as an intern for 1996-97 in Small Animal Medicine and as a resident for 1997-99 in Internal Medicine, and is currently a lecturer for the Medicine Section. Dr. Kull completed her Internal Medicine residency last year and is currently working for the Medicine Section.

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2000 Anne E. Hessinger, a Captain in the U.S. Army's Mid-Atlantic District Veterinary Command, participated in the 2001 National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill in Bowling Green Va., from July 23 through August 1.

Capt. Hessinger helped to train and test Boy Scouts for the veterinary merit badge. “We're trying to show them a little bit about what veterinarians do,” Hessinger said about interacting with the Scouts.

Births 1997 Alisa Iriye, a daughter, Alexis Julian, on May 29, 2000.

1998 Joan Capuzzi Giresi, a daughter, Natalie Emily, on May 2, 2001. She joins brother Michael.

2000 Athan V. Gerovasiliou, a daughter, Eleni, on May 25, 2001.

Deaths 1939 Russell D. Holt on March 10, 2001.

Sander A. Sacks on February 9, 2001.

1940 John R. McCoy on February 20, 2001.

1942 Carlos A. Rojas Maldonado in February 1996.

1943 Lt. Col. Bjarne N. Folling on August 20, 2000.

Robert B. Weber on May 3, 2001.

1944 Joseph G. Shute on June 16, 2001.

1946 Glen W. Stevens on February 28, 2001.

1951 Peter R. Cebulka on May 12, 2000.

David C. Tudor on November 17, 2000.

1957 William G. Stone on April 1, 2001.

1970 E. Gregory MacEwen on May 12, 2001. An internationally renowned veterinary oncologist, Dr. MacEwen was Professor and Head of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine’s Oncology Section. He was recognized posthumously with the 2001 American Kennel Club Career Achievement Award in Canine Research at the American Veterinary Medical Association Annual Convention in July 2001. He was lauded for his research as “novel, beneficial to the treatment of canine cancer, and providing significant translational information for human cancer.”

1987 Thurman Hornbuckle II, on March 30, 2001.

The Alumni Golf Tournament, organized by Jack, V’66, and Eric M., V’95, Bregman, was held at the Loch Nairn Golf Club in Avondale, Pa.during Alumni Weekend 2001.Special thanks goes to this year’s tournament sponsors: The Butler Company, DVM Pharmaceuticals, Inc., IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Merial, Novartis Animal Health, and Ralston Purina Company. Tournament proceeds are used by the School of Veterinary Medicine to provide scholarship support, which is vital to attracting and retaining the best students.

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Recent Grad Leads Veterinary Medical Alumni Society

E

ric M. Bregman, V’95, considers himself an “answers guy.” Good thing … because as the newest—and probably youngest ever—president of the Veterinary Medical Alumni Society (VMAS) of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Bregman will have to provide some critical answers regarding the most pressing needs and concerns of the School in the future.

During his term as VMAS president—May 2001 to May 2003—Dr. Bregman and his colleagues on the Executive Board will focus on several key issues, including the new Teaching and Research Building, student tuition costs, and the clinical education of students that incorporates teaching practical skills.

With over half of his 20-or-so fellow board members over the age of 45, Dr. Bregman, 30, is undaunted by his youth. Rather, he considers it an asset. “Boards can get stagnant,” he explains. “We’ve made a real effort to bring in

some new blood and some fresh ideas.”

Furthermore, he’s accustomed to dealing with older veterinarians: His father, Jack, V’66, is his long-time mentor and partner in practice.

After growing up on a horse farm in New York’s Catskill Mountains, Dr. Bregman headed for the University of Houston, where he studied biology for three years before being admitted to the School of Veterinary Medicine. He completed a private-practice internship and then joined his father’s practice, which he helped expand from one to four offices in Brooklyn and Long Island and a feline hyperthyroidism treatment center.

Two of the four Bregman practices treat solely cats. Dr. Bregman calls feline practice “a nice way to practice veterinary medicine”—for the aesthetics, if nothing else. When it comes to carpeting, laminated flooring, office space and staffing needs, he says, cats easily nudge out dogs.

Although he works 50-plus hours a week (and attends 25-30 New York Yankees games a year), Dr. Bregman credits practice ownership with giving him the flexibility to devote time to the Executive Board, whose membership requires a three-year commitment of attending

five meetings annually.

Like his veterinary degree, Dr. Bregman’s VMAS membership is a legacy to his father, who is a veteran Executive Board member and former president. Starting out upon graduation as a “Pacesetter”—a board position reserved each year for one or two recent grads—Dr. Bregman, who is also active in the New York City and state veterinary medical societies, considers his VMAS participation a way of returning a very big scholastic favor. He shares his father’s appreciation for the School: “My dad says, ‘The School gave me everything I have by educating me. They didn’t have to do that for me. They chose me.’ ” “The opportunity for learning here is unmatched by any school in the country,” exclaims the younger Bregman, who credits the School with teaching him how to think logically about cases. “I may not have been the best at placing a catheter when I first got out of school,” he recalls, “but when a dyspneic cat came in, I knew what needed to be done.”

The School, too, can breathe easy as Dr. Bregman assesses the School’s needs and the help VMAS can provide.

—J.C.G.

American Veterinary Medical Association Annual Convention Alumni Reception Nearly 100 School of Veterinary Medicine alumni and their guests attended an alumni reception during the American Veterinary Medical Association Annual Convention in Boston on July 15, 2001. Alumni from as far away as Puerto Rico (Jose M. Garcia Blanco, V’84) and Montana (Robert M. Frey, V’77, with wife, Pat) attended the reception. Dean Alan M. Kelly welcomed everyone to the reception and spoke about the School’s current activities and thanked alumni for their continued support of their alma mater.

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V.M.D. Announcements A major milestone in women’s rights and progress will be observed this fall when the University of Pennsylvania celebrates 125 years of educating women. This represented a break with the tradition of attendance restricted only to males, which had been in existence for 136 years.

It also was an extension of Penn founder Benjamin Franklin’s feeling that education needed to be encouraged without regard to gender.

To commemorate this historic event, a celebration will be held November 1-2 and will include a ceremony honoring women “firsts” at the University; a talk by NBC Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent and Penn trustee Andrea Mitchell; panel discussions, and a book signing and party for Penn women authors.

In addition, the existing Class of 1949 Bridge across 38th Street and its approach has received a major refurbishing to create a Women’s Walkway and Generational Bridge recognizing Penn families. More information on the event, including a complete schedule, is available online at <www.alumni.upenn.edu/celebratewomen>. ◆ Philadelphia-area veterinarians are asked to be alert to a rash of armed robberies at veterinarian offices this summer. The offices are being targeted for Ketamine, an animal anesthetic that, when mixed with sugar, becomes the designer drug Special K and is often sold at “rave” parties. As of late July, two of the three robbery suspects have been arrested by the Philadelphia Police Department.

According to the National Crime Prevention Council, if a robber confronts you, cooperate.

Merchandise and cash can always be replaced—people can’t! For crime prevention tips for small businesses, visit the NCPC web site at <www.ncpc.org/1smbus.htm>. ◆ Recent Penn graduates working in the Empire State are encouraged to participate in the New York State Veterinary Medical Society’s (NYSVMS) Mentor Program, which helps to ease the transition from student life to professional life by providing new veterinarians with a mentor. Mentors act as sounding boards and offer practical advice about handling the challenges that face new veterinarians.

Mentors can also help to integrate young

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veterinarians into the larger veterinary community by joining them at regional meetings, introducing them to colleagues, answering questions, helping them to access information, etc. The mentoring may take whatever form works best for the pair — meetings, telephone conversations, e-mail, etc.

The Mentor Program has a circle of members excited about being a mentor. If you’re interested in talking with a colleague or would just like to meet an area colleague at a regional meeting, please contact the NYSVMS at (518) 437-0787, toll-free at (800) 876-9867, or via email at <NYSVMS@albany.net>.

Alumni Connections To find a former classmate and to sign-up for a permanent e-mail forwarding service: Join the University of Pennsylvania Alumni On-Line Community for free at <www. alumniconnections.com/olc/pub/UPN>.

After you register, you can search the OnLine Directory, which is a great resource for personal and professional networking and an easy way to keep up-to-date on fellow alumni. You can also sign-up for a permanent email forwarding service, which will forward messages received at your permanent Penn address to the e-mail address of your choice.

To update your alumni record: You can update your record via the University of Pennsylvania Alumni On-Line Community On-Line Directory. You may also contact Elizabeth McNamara at (215) 898-1481 or via e-mail at <emcnamar@vet.upenn.edu>.

To make a gift or for information on supporting the School of Veterinary Medicine: Make a gift with your credit card through a secure online transaction at <www.upenn.edu/gifts>. For information on supporting the School, visit the Alumni & Friends web site at <http://alumni.vet.upenn.edu> or contact Joshua E. Liss at (215) 898-1481 or via e-mail at <lissj@vet.upenn.edu>.

To request a transcript and/or proof of graduation: For information on requesting a transcript, visit the Office of the University Registrar’s web site at <www.upenn.edu/registrar/trans.html> or call (215) 898-7511. For information on requesting a certification of graduation, which does not require a transcript, contact the School’s Office of Student & Curricular Affairs at (215) 898-3525 or via e-mail at <student-affairs@vet.upenn.edu>.

To obtain a Penn Alumni Card: The Penn Alumni Card offers a myriad of benefits, including access to the Penn Libraries. The charge for the card, which is valid for 10 years, is only $20. Alumni Cards are issued at the PennCard Center, which is located in the Franklin Building at 3451 Walnut Street. In order to receive the card, alumni are asked to show a form of photo identification (a valid driver’s license, passport, etc.) and complete an Alumni Card Request Form.

It then takes only a few minutes to take a photo of the alumnus/alumna and for them to receive their Alumni Card. As an added convenience, alumni can also obtain an Alumni Card by mail. For more information or to download a request form, visit the “Obtaining a PennCard” web page at <www.upenn.edu/penncard/obtaining.html>.

Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Staff Joshua E. Liss Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving (215) 898-1481 Fax (215) 573-3544 E-mail <lissj@vet.upenn.edu> Elizabeth McNamara Annual Giving Coordinator (215) 898-1481 Fax (215) 573-3544 E-mail <emcnamar@vet.upenn.edu> Please address any correspondence to: Office of Development and Alumni Relations University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine 3800 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19104-6047

V.M.D.NotesV . MV.M.D.Notes . D . N O T E S V . M . D . V.M.D.Notes N O T E S V . M . D . N O V.M.D.Notes T E S V . M . D . N O T E SV.M.D.Notes V. M . D. N O T E S V. M . D. N O T E S

Alumni are invited to attend a presentation, “Survival Tactics for a Chaotic Millennium” by Dr. Gerry Snyder, on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2001, from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. in the E.R. Marookian, V.M.D. Auditorium at VHUP. The presentation is sponsored by the Veterinary Business Management Association of the

University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. For more information, contact Bill Culp, V’04, at (215) 805-0059 or via e-mail at <wculp@mail.vet.upenn.edu>.

Library Services for Alumni Electronic Resources Alumni may use Franklin, the Library’s online catalog, NLM’s PubMed (MEDLINE) database, and a free version of the USDA’s Agricola database. These are available both in the library and remotely from your home or office. PubMed is available directly from NLM at the following web address: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi The USDA’s Agricola database is available at http://www.nalusda.gov/ag98/ In addition, the Penn Library has made an Alumni portal to our web site which provides links to many more electronic resources, including books, journals, and databases. Please visit this web site at http://www.library.upenn.edu/portal/ to access Franklin and much more. To view a list of the library’s new books, click “Franklin,” then click “new books.”

Borrowing Privileges Alumni who want to borrow materials from the Penn Libraries’ collections may apply for courtesy borrowing privileges at the special alumni rate of $200 per year. The Penn Alumni Card must be presented upon application for courtesy borrowing privileges. Application for courtesy borrowing should be made Monday through Friday to the Van Pelt Circulation Department. Call (215) 898-7566 for more information.

Reference Alumni may use the collections for their information needs on weekdays, 9 AM to 5PM. A librarian is on duty between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM weekdays. An appointment is recommended if you anticipate needing librarian assistance. For reference service please call (215) 898-8874.

VMD/DVM Employment Opportunities Prospective employers with job openings available for veterinary associates may now post employment opportunities on-line, and veterinary associates seeking positions may view them at: http://www.vet.upenn.edu/StudentResources/Employment/ Only listings requiring a graduate degree in veterinary medicine (VMD or DVM) will be posted. As opportunities for technicians/office personnel will not be advertised, we suggest you contact the classified section of Veterinary Technician magazine <http://www.vetclassifieds.com>.

Job listings will be posted on-line after being reviewed by the Office of Student Affairs.

Prospective employers may be contacted by the Office of Student Affairs for verification of information. Listings will remain active and accessible for 6 months.

Beginning August 15, 2001, paper opportunities will not be accepted. The paper version of the job book will remain available to potential applicants until November 1, 2001.

If you are seeking employment or have a position available, please use our on-line “Employment Board.” We hope you find this on-line employment opportunities web site helpful.

Scholarships The Salsbury Scholarships were awarded to Amy Faulls, V’02, Heather Lyons, V’02, Brian Young, V’02, Shari Silverman, V’02, and Karen Oberthaler, V’02. The Lois F. Fairchild Scholarship in Veterinary Public Service was awarded to Jennifer Jones, V’03. Jill Compton, V’04 received the Harry B. Roshon Dean’s Scholarship. The New York Farmers Dean’s Scholarships were awarded to Tracy Filler, V’02, Siobhan Haney, V’04, and Holly Edwards, V’04. The J. Maxwell Moran, Sr. Dean’s Scholarships were given to Karen Mondzeil, V’04, David Bessler, V’03, Megan Julian, V’02, Danalyn Dess, V’02, and Julia Lane, V’03. Raul Casas-Dolz, V’04 received the Dr. John Baxter Taylor Dean’s Scholarship. Scott Gellman, V’04, Jennifer Gschwend, V’02, Sherry Cokefair, V’02 and Simon Alexander, V’04 each were awarded a Samuel T. and Emily Rawnsley Dean’s Scholarship.

The Ethel G. and Allen H. Carruth Dean’s Scholarships were given to Christa Regan, V’04 and Erik Herrema, V’03. The Henry S. McNeil, Jr. Dean’s Scholarship was awarded to Holly Connolly, V’03. Michael Cohen, V’02 received the Hill’s Pet Products Dean’s Scholarship. Amy Hancock, V’02 and Meredith Daly, V’03 were awarded The Bruce J. Heim Dean’s Scholarships.

The Dr. Josephine M. Deubler Dean’s Scholarship was awarded to Sara Langsam, V’02. Anna Skope, V’03, David Kersten, V’03, and Sarah D’Oench, V’02 received The Mrs. Jack L. Billhardt Dean’s Scholarships. The Charles S. and Phyllis H. Wolf Dean’s Scholarships were awarded to Johanna Briscoe, V’02, and Emily Kupprion, V’02. Jeff Luetke, V’02, Kathy Heym, V’04, and Danielle Springer, V’02 were awarded The Anne Linn White Dean’s Scholarships. Erin Mairs, V’02 received the Pfizer Animal Health Scholarship and the The American Kennel Club Scholarship.

Nathan Harvey, V’03 was awarded scholarships from Maine Veterinary Medical Association and the Veterinary Scholarship Trust of New England. The Dog Writers’ Educational Trust awarded a scholarship to Heather R. Jones, V’02.

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Animal Crackers Foundation Stock Service There are many breeds recognized by foreign registries but not by the American Kennel Club. In this country, these are considered “rare” breeds. AKC has established a Foundation Stock Service (FSS) for breeds recognized by an acceptable foreign or domestic registry.

This is a record keeping service. Dogs with a FSS certificate are not eligible to compete at AKC events until they meet certain criteria, including a good number of dogs in this country owned by many different individuals, existence of a parent club and a breed standard.

Recently, AKC has admitted six FSS breeds to the Miscellaneous Class. These dogs may compete in obedience and other performance events. They cannot compete in regular conformation classes to earn the title of champion.

Following are a few notes about these six breeds.

The Beauceron is a French herding breed. It stands between 25 and 30 inches at the withers.

The coat is short and the color is black and tan.

The ears are cropped but the tail is long.

The black Russian terrier was developed in Moscow by crossing giant schnauzers with Airedales, Rottweilers and a local retriever. The breed was intended for military and police work. Its height is 25 to 28 inches. The coat is thick and wiry, up to four inches in length and black in color. The tail should be docked short.

The Glen of Imaal terrier is an ancient breed from southern Ireland which was used for hunting. About 14 inches high, it resembles the Sealyham but is more heavily boned. It has a soft undercoat and topknot and a harsher topcoat.

The Neapolitan mastiff, called mastino in its native Italy, goes back to ancient Rome. It is an extremely bulky dog just under 30 inches in height, with a large wrinkled head. The breed was originally used for fighting but is not naturally aggressive.

The Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever is a medium-sized dog about 20 inches height with a double, medium-length water-repellent coat.

The color is shades of red. It was developed in the early twentieth century from various breeds including the golden, Chesapeake and Labrador retriever. This dog is an outstanding swimmer and a natural retriever on land and in the water. The dog will play on the shore to lure ducks within shooting distance and then

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retrieve the kill.

The Redbone coonhound is an American breed developed in the 18th and 19th century using red hounds from Europe. Some say Peter Redbone, a Tennessee breeder, gave his name to this hound while others believe the name come from the color. A treeing dog called a Redbone hound has been bred for a hundred years. Similar to the American foxhound but red in color, these dogs are about 25 inches tall with short, smooth, hard coats. Redbones are widely used and have a marvelous nose and voice, trailing ability and a strong desire to tree their game.

Case Report A review of cases from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center revealed evidence of renal failure in ten dogs that ingested large amounts of raisins or grapes. Sun-dried raisins and fresh grapes from grocery stores and private yards as well as grape crushings from wineries were involved. The known amounts ranged between nine ounces and two pounds.

Vomiting began within a few hours of ingestion. Other signs were loss of appetite, diarrhea, lethargy and abdominal pain. High serum concentration of creatinine developed 24 hours to several days after ingestion, along with reduced output or complete suppression of urine. Some dogs recovered after aggressive treatment, but two died and three were euthanized because of poor response to treatment.

There also have been reports of serious illness or death after a dog has eaten large amounts of chocolate candy.

Dietary indiscretion may have serious adverse effects. There are many poisonous plants and household chemicals that might be eaten by pets. If you call your veterinarian for advice, try to be sure you can report how much and what the animal has eaten.

The ASPCA 24-hour emergency information number is 888-426-4435. There may be a charge which may be paid by credit card.

Spotted Cats The Egyptian Mau is the only natural spotted breed of domesticated cat. It was brought to the United States in 1957. The coat is a transition between spots and stripes which appear not only in the fur but also in the skin pigmentation.

Three colors are recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association — silver with charcoal markings,

bronze (honey-colored) with dark brown markings and smoke black with charcoal spots. They are quiet, friendly, medium-sized cats.

The Ocicat, named after the ocelot, was created in the 1960s by crossing Siamese, Abyssinians and American shorthairs. The Abyssinian influence gives energy, Siamese influence makes the Ocicat chatty and sociable and the American shorthair has a mellowing effect. The result is a cat that is not hyperactive and not too vocal and is people-oriented. The breed is recognized by the CFA. The pixie-bob comes from a litter believed to be from an unplanned mating of bobcats and barn cats, but this has not been proven.

Developed less than 20 years ago, the breed is recognized by the The International Cat Association and is seeking recognition from the CFA. The TICA standard calls for a wild look — it is bred to resemble a domestic version of the Pacific Northwest coastal red bobcat. The ears are lynx-shaped. The standard allows polydactyl cats with up to seven toes per foot. The color is described as “light to medium shades of brown tabby in a random ‘buckshot’ pattern preferred with a base of mousey gray, like a wild hare.”

The breed has long and short-haired varieties.

Parvovirus In Dogs Parvovirus infection is a relatively new disease — the causative agent was first recognized about 1980. It is believed that it is a virus of some other species that adapted itself to dogs.

It is especially severe — often fatal — in puppies. Doberman pinschers and Rottweilers appear to be highly susceptible, but it occurs in all breeds.

The first signs are loss of appetite and depression followed in a day or two by vomiting and bloody foul smelling diarrhea. The virus multiplies in the intestinal tract and billions of virus particles can be passed and will contaminate the environment for at least six months. Without killing all vegetation it is impossible to eliminate the virus from soil.

Inside the home and kennel, thorough washing and use of a chlorine bleach solution (one ounce in a quart of water) is effective.

Most older dogs are immune through vaccination or previous exposure to the virus. Bitches pass antibodies to puppies in milk and this will interfere with vaccination. For their protection, puppies should be vaccinated starting at

Penn Veterinary Alumni Help on Navajo Reservation

by Dr.Theodore Robinson,V’74

A

group of four veterinarians, all graduates of Penn, recently traveled to the Crown Point Navajo Reservation just north of Gallup, N.M. to provide veterinary care.

The week-long project was co-sponsored by Americans for Native Americans (ANA), located in Doylestown, Pa. and the Bucks-Montgomery Veterinary Medical Association, a constituent of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical

Dr. Ted Robinson instructing veterinary technicians on techniques of preparation and procedures for feline neutering.

Association. The volunteer group performed various veterinary medical procedures on the dogs, cats, horses and cows owned by the Native Americans living on the reservation.

The veterinarians also conducted educational seminars.

The group consisted of Dr. Michael Tomasic, V’85, assistant professor of anesthesia, Dr. Sherry Talowsky, V’75, and Dr. Joseph Raught, V’63 of New Wilmington, Pa., and Dr. Ted Robinson, V’74 of Richboro, Pa. Dr. Robinson is vice president and programs chairman of the Bucks-Montgomery VMA and he organized the entire project.

The objectives of the group were three-fold:

Animal Crackers continued six weeks, repeated every two to three weeks until they are sixteen weeks old.

Infection is oral and usually results from exposure to contaminated soil. Keeping puppies inside does not keep them protected.

Early vaccination is necessary to control the disease. Treatment frequently requires hospitalization and intravenous fluids because of dehydration.

1. To educate the Native American population about the proper care and management of their pets and livestock.

2. To work with and help with the education and training of the veterinary technician students attending the Crown Point Institute of Technology.

3. To help with animal population control and medically treat the reservation’s equine population.

To accomplish this lectures and workshops were held on the reservation in the evenings on various aspects of equine, bovine, sheep and Drs. Michael Tomasik, Clint Blalock, Jospeh Raught, Sherry Talowsky, and Ted Robison. Dr. Blalok, Gallup, N.M., directs the veterinary goat health management. All residents and veterinary technician stu- technician program on the reservation. dents were invited to attend. The veterinary technician students participated in all aspects of large and small animal health care including preventative medicine. They assisted in all surgical procedures that were performed by the four veterinarians. The volunteers perThe annual Student Chapter of the formed 166 spays, neuterings and vaccinations American Veterinary Medical of pet animals during their stay and more than Association (SCAVMA) Auction will be 300 horses were treated for internal parasites held on Friday, December 7, 2001, at 5:00 and dental problems. p.m. The location of the event is to be Four veterinary drug and supply companies announced. Everyone is invited to donated the supplies that made the project support the auction! possible. They were: Fort Dodge Laboratories, The annual SCAVMA auction is a Pfizer Animal popular event for the entire School comHealth, Penn munity. Proceeds from the Silent Auction Veterinary Suphelp to fund student travel expenses to ply, and the W.A. the annual National Student AVMA SymButler Co. The supplies included posium. Proceeds from the Live Auction vaccines, aneshelp to fund SCAVMA events and the thetic drugs, new SCAVMA Scholarship Program. The worming medscholarship program awards two $2,500 ications, suture material, surgical gloves and scholarships annually for third- and drapes, parasiticides, etc. fourth-year students. They are selected In conjunction with the project, four of the based on their service to the School, Crown Point veterinary technicians students academic standing, and financial need. came to Bucks County for internships at variThe mission of SCAVMA is to ous veterinary practices. increase the quality of veterinary student All agreed that the project was extremely life through educational, social and culsuccessful. To that end, ANA and the Buckstural extracurricular activities. For more Montgomery VMA will sponsor additional volinformation on the auction or to donate unteer trips in the future, with the long term auction items, contact J. Seth Eaton, V’04, goal of obtaining official AVMA accreditation Auction Co-Chairperson, via e-mail at for the veterinary technician school at Crown <jseaton@mail.vet.upenn.edu>.

Point.

Annual SCAVMA Auction

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Bogie Survives Thanks to Pints of Blood from the Penn Animal Blood Bank

by Dr. Jennifer Chaitman,V’97

Bogie, a happy Labrador, suddenly became weak and collapsed. He was rushed to his veterinarian, Dr. Lisa Evans, V’88. He was stabilized and equipped with an IV for the drive to the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Doctors determined that he was anemic and in shock from severe bleeding ulcers in his stomach and intestines. The ulcers were likely due to sensitivity to aspirin, which Bogie was taking for arthritis of his knees. The ulcers were so severe that Bogie needed large amounts of blood and plasma for two weeks until his ulcers healed completely. Bogie received a dozen pints of blood products, more than his whole blood volume, during his hospital stay. Had there not been a refrigerator full of donor blood available, Bogie may have died.

Bogie made a full recovery, and is doing well after a recent knee surgery.

“Bleeding and anemic dogs and cats are frequently referred to VHUP for life support with

the appropriate and compatible blood component” states Dr. Urs Giger, director of transfusion medicine. These units of blood come from the unique “pets help pets” volunteer blood donor program of the Penn Animal Blood Bank. Bogie’s guardians, Bill and Angela Wurster, realized that without the many blood transfusions Bogie may not have made it, and have been very gracious by supporting a proposal submitted to The Wurster Family Foundation for an animal blood mobile. This vehicle will facilitate the collection of blood from hundreds of volunteer dogs.

Join us for the

American Gold Cup September 13-16 Devon Show Grounds Devon, Pa.

Four days of Stadium Jumping Competition

The Gift that Gives Back — Guaranteed!

Many investors today are nervous about volatile markets. They are turning to “safe” investments like certificates of deposit and municipal bonds for future income. But those options carry discouragingly low rates.

Penn is pleased to offer a secure alternative with attractive rates — the charitable gift annuity.

Benefits include: • Support for the School of Veterinary Medicine • Guaranteed, fixed income for life • Income tax deduction • Capital gains tax savings • Tax-free income (in part) • Monthly, quarterly or annual payments • No management fees • Option to defer income for higher annuity rate and deduction

Sample Rate Chart for a $25,000 One Life Charitable Gift Annuity* Age Rate Deduction Annuity Equivalent Rate of Return 55 6% $7,175 $1,500 8.6% 60 6.4% $7,589 $1,600 9.4% 65 6.7% $8,616 $1,675 10.2% 70 7.2% $9,568 $1,800 11.4% 75 7.9% $10,558 $1,975 13% 80 8.9% $11,630 $2,225 15.3% 83+ 9.5% $12,528 $2,375 16.9% For more information or a personalized illustration with no obligation, call Penn’s Office of Gift Planning at 800-223-8236. *Gift annuities may be funded with cash or marketable securities. Income may be current or deferred, for one or two people. Rates and deductions vary with age and number of annuitants and the timing of the gift. Annuities with an income beneficiary over age 83 will receive a higher income tax deduction. Equivalent rate of return refers to taxable investment alternatives, after factoring in tax savings for charitable gift annuity. Penn gift annuities are not available in all states. Please ask about other options. Minimum gift amount is $10,000.

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September 15

Family Day with

Celebrity Dog Show and

Children’s Art Show The School and its hospitals are the beneficiary of this event.

Bellwether

University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine

Editor Helma Weeks Photographers Jon Adams Addison Geary Tommy Leonardi Charles Mann Doug Thayer Writers Helen Aceto, V.M.D. Steven Bradt Jennifer Chaitman, V.M.D. Dr. Josephine Deubler Joan Capuzzi Giresi, V.M.D. Patricia Kane-Vanni, Esq. Theodore Robinson, V.M.D. Jane Simone Alumni Relations Liaison Joshua E. Liss New Bolton Center Liaison Jeanie Robinson-Pownall We’d like to hear your praise, criticisms, or comments. Please address your correspondence to: Helma Weeks University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine 3800 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19104-6010 (215) 898-1475 hweeks@vet.upenn.edu None of these articles are to be reproduced in any form without the permission of the editor of Bellwether. © Copyright 2001 by the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania.

The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam Era Veteran or disabled veteran in the administration of educational policies, programs or activities; admissions policies; scholarship and loan awards; athletic, or other University administered programs or employment.

Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to: Executive Director, Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs, 3600 Chestnut Street, Sansom Place East, Suite 228, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6106 or (215) 898-6993 (Voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD).

Visit the School’s web site at www.vet.upenn.edu

On May 10, 2001 the Philadelphia Museum of Art began its 125th birthday celebration at Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park, the museum’s original home and the only exhibition building remaining from the 1876 Centennial Exposition. The School was asked to provide carriage transportation for the governor’s wife, Michelle Ridge, and Philadelphia Mayor John Street, to the stage in front of Memorial Hall. The carriage was proceeded by outriders from the First City Troop and a Fyfe and Drum Corps. It made a pretty picture and horses and carriage were a big hit with the crowd. Shown here are whip Bruce Rappoport and groom Tricia Higginbotham driving Mrs. Ridge and Mayor Street.

Study on Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts D r. Chick Weisse, a surgical resident, and his colleagues are conducting a study of the use of interventional radiology in the treatment of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (PSSs) which traditionally are treated surgically. Surgical treatment is a challenge due to difficulty in locating the shunt at surgery, their large size, increased risk of hemorrhage, and increased likelihood of requiring multiple procedures.

Prognosis for “clinical improvement” in animals receiving these treatments is only 70-75 percent. The increased morbidity and mortality associated with surgical treatment of intrahepatic shunts has inspired a search for alternative treatment options.

Recently, a number of reports have described the use of interventional radiology techniques for the management of dogs with intrahepatic PSSs. Thrombogenic coils were used for staged embolization of intrahepatic shunts.

Interventional radiology techniques offer

the advantage of shunt attenuation with simultaneous angiography and pressure measurements, shorter anesthesia times, minimal invasiveness, and avoidance of the morbidity associated with complicated, technically demanding surgical procedures. We have already performed a number of these procedures with the assistance of a human interventional radiologist and have not experienced any serious complications to date.

We would like to offer this procedure as an alternative option for any cases of intrahepatic PSSs and encourage veterinarians who have such cases in their practice to contact us for more information on the procedure. Inquiries from veterinarians should be directed to Dr. Chick Weisse at VHUP, 3850 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Owners of dogs with the disease should have their veterinarian contact Dr. Weisse; unfortunately, he is not able to talk to owners to discuss their case.

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Special Gifts to the School The following have made gifts to the Small Animal Hospital in memory of a special pet: Mr. and Mrs. Curt Adams in memory of “CORDELIA”, “REGAN” and “MONGO” Ms. Sandy Amador in memory of “CLYDE” Mr. Salvatore Amato in memory of “BUTCH” Mr. Joseph Anderlonis in memory of “NERO” Mr. and Mrs. William Arnold in memory of “GRACIE” Ms. Sue Zanne Artzner in memory of “ABACUS” Ms. Joan M. Auten in memory of “DUNCAN” Mr. and Mrs. Hershel Berris in memory of “CESSNA” Ms. Allison Birenbaum in memory of “POLLY” Ms. Barbara Blair in memory of “TAISHA” and “ZIMMER” Ms. Alberta A. Booth in memory of “JODY” Mr. Leonard Buster in memory of “TIFFANY” Ms. Mary Butler in memory of “CUBBY” Ms. Cindy Caine in memory of “DAMIEN” and “LUCIFER” Ms. Jo Etta Campbell in memory of “BEAR” Ms. Allison Chapman in memory of “CHOPPERS” Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Carey in memory of “BARKLEY” Dr. and Mrs. Tito Cascieri, Jr. in memory of “JAKE” and “SADIE” Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Cavallaro in memory of “TROOPER” Ms. Paula Clark in memory of “ONEY” Mr. and Mrs. William Corcoran in memory of “BARNEY” Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Colangelo in memory of “MONEY” Mr. Wayne Conner in memory of “WOTAN” Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Cook in memory of “DUNCAN” Mr. Alan Dakers in memory of “BUDDY” Ms. Irene T. Decker in memory of “STEFFIE” Ms. Marguerite Delucia in memory of “HOLLY” Mr. Robert Earle in memory of “GIZMO” and “YUKON” Dr. and Mrs. Edward V. Dillon in memory of “BOOF” Cynthia C. Eldredge, V.M.D. in memory of “HUDSON” Mr. and Mrs. Donald Finn in memory of “BUSTER” Ms. Karen Goodall Fernsten in memory of “TOBY” Ms. Lois Francis in memory of “SWEETIE” Miss Kirsten Gausch in memory of “HARRY” Ms. Ellen Ger in memory of “TUTU” Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Goodman in memory of “BARNEY” Ms. Nasima Hanna in memory of “GINGER” and “MIDNIGHT” Mr. and Mrs. Hartman in memory of “BERNICE” Ms. Tracy Lee Burton Hausel in memory of “TAMMY” Mr. Jon Hechtman in memory of “LEFTY” Mr. and Mrs. Raymond J. Higgins in memory of “STEPHANIE” Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Hipley in memory of “PAL”, “MAJOR”, “GARETH”, “PHELAN” and “NICCI” Ms. Frances Iadevaio in memory of “CARA MIA” Ms. Kelly Inemer in memory of “VELVET” and “BABY TIGGER” Ms. June Crawford Jackson in memory of “PIP”, “GINGER”, and “BRUCE” Susan Jacobson, V.M.D. in memory of “TEDDY” Ms. Michele Johnston in memory of “SASSY” Mr. Barry Kaufman in memory of “PRINCESS” Ms. Sheilah Kaufman in memory of “PRINCESS” Mr. and Mrs. Steve Kazakoff in memory of “ATHENA” and “DELTA” Ms. Carolyn King in memory of “BEAR” and “CASSIE” Ms. Shelley Kirk in memory of “STEPPER” Ms. Joan Kistler in memory of “WINSTON”, “LADY” and “RUSTY” Ms. Patricia Klous in memory of “MOLLY” Ms. Karen Knuepfer in memory of “MADDIE” Ms. Ceil Kostick in memory of “LIBBY” and “MISTY” Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kramer in memory of “SANDY” Mr. Brian Kushner in memory of “MARMADUKE” Mr. Christopher Levan in memory of “RIGGER” Mr. Lewis Lillmer in memory of “MAX” Mrs. Dorothy Marciniszyn in memory of “BENNY” Dr. Harold Marder in memory of “KASSIUS” Ms. Trish Martin in memory of “NORMAN”

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Mr. and Mrs. David Martini in memory of “NUGGET” Dr. Tomi J. McCann in memory of “BUDDY” Mr. and Mrs. Jack McCormick in memory of “SAMMY” Mr. and Mrs. Peter McDermott in memory of “BABETTE” Mr. and Mrs. John McGlinchey in memory of “JACOB” Mr. and Mrs. Sean McGrath in memory of “CHELSEA” Mr. William R. McKeever in memory of “PAL”, “SCOTTIE”, and “PIPER” Ms. Margaret McNamara in memory of “OLIVER WENDELL HOMELESS” Ms. Suzanne McQuade in memory of “SEAN” Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Moore in memory of “MAX” Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Moroney in memory of “ZAKARY” Ms. Laura Murray in memory of “PUMPKIN” Ms. Denise Muschamp in memory of “BOOTSIE” Ms. Mary Alice Musser in memory of “LILY” and “CHANCE” Mr. and Mrs. Serge Nalbantian in memory of “SHEEBA” Mr. and Mrs. John B. Nason, III in memory of “TALLY” and “BARUABY” Ms. Diane Neun in memory of “BUDDY” Mr. Robert Oxley in memory of “ANGUS” Ms. Despina Page in memory of “DELPHIE”, “BUNKER”, “IKE” and “PEACHES” Mr. and Mrs. Dominick Panetta in memory of “DUTCHESS ANNE” Mr. and Mrs. David Park in memory of “HOBBES” Ms. Sonya Peterson in memory of “OLIVER” Mr. and Mrs. Duarte Pinto in memory of “SANDY” Ms. Shari Pirone in memory of “PETEY” Dr. and Mrs. Robert L. Quigley in memory of “OUR DOGS” Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Raine, Jr. in memory of “JASPER” Ms. Stephanie Resnick in memory of “PRECIOUS”, “SIMBA”, “COLITA”, “SENATOR”, “BARCLAY” and “ITTY-O” Ms. Arlene Robertson in memory of “NIBBLES” and “PEANUT” Ms. Karel Rogozenski in memory of “MURPHY” Ms. Nancy Rosenau-Thomas in memory of “MAX” Mr. Charles Roumas in memory of “CHLOE” Mr. and Mrs. Bill Roxby in memory of “LILY” Ms. Joan Aigner Ruby in memory of “DUFFER” Ms. Jean Ruhl in memory of “TESSA” Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Russo in memory of “BUSTER” Ms. Megna Sahni in memory of “SAMMY” Ms. Joyce Satz in memory of “FRISKY” Mr. and Mrs. Sauerwine in memory if “PRINCE” Mr. Raymond Scarduzio in memory of “SAMM” Mr. John Schafer in memory of “BUTCH” Ms. Joan Schwer in memory of “GABBY” and “ROYALE” Ms. Phyllis Shapack in memory of “ZIGGY” Dr. M. Lana Sheer in memory of “ERIN” Mr. and Mrs. Richard Schwoebel in memory of “TIMMY” Mr. Daniel S. Shead in memory of “SHANA” Mr. and Mrs. Brian Smith in memory of “CODY” Ms. Diane C. Smith in memory of “TARA” and “WINSTON” Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith in memory of “MIKI” Ms. Sylvia Smith in memory of “ALEX” Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Smoll, Jr. in memory of “MOLLY” Mr. Philip Spinelli in memory of “TIGGER” and “NICHOLE” Ms. Nona J. Starzyk in memory of “GINGER” Ms. Mildred Stauffer in memory of “BUDDIE” Mr. William Sterling in memory of “TARA” Ms. Edna Stirk in memory of “NEELY” and “BRUTUS” Ms. Irene Strum in memory of “FERNONDA” and “GINGER” Mr. Joseph Sullivan in memory of “SPIKE” Ms. Jennifer Sutherland in memory of “SCRUNGY” Mr. William Sweeney in memory of “SKEETER” Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Thibeault in memory of “TESSA” Ms. Anna Tilghman in memory of “AM. CAN. CH. LIBERTYS CHIP OFF THE ARK, CDX, SCH III” Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Trusso in memory of “TIGER”

Ms. Evadne Tsolo in memory of “BUDDY” Mr. and Mrs. Richard Veneziani in memory of “TIGER” Mr. John Vinci in memory of “PRINCESS” Ms. Shannon Walsh in memory of “SHEA” Ms. Wanda May Webb in memory of “CLARENCE” Mr. and Mrs. Harry Weisser in memory of “FAUNA”, “MISTY”, “STINGRAY” and “TIFFANY” Ms. Patricia Welsh in memory of “HOLMES” Mr. Sidney Wexler in memory of “DUSTY” Mr. William Widdows in memory of “LIZZY” Ms. Marilyn Wiesen in memory of “SPARKY” Ms. Emily Williams in memory of “LIBBY” Mr. and Mrs. Paul S. Woodring in memory of “ZACH” Ms. Suzanne Woodroffe in memory of “EMMY” Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Yeager in memory of “BAMA”, “BJ”, and “BAILEY” The following have made gifts to the Small Animal Hospital in memory of those listed: Ms. Nadine Blanchard in memory of Mr. Loman Booth Mr. John Coyle in memory of Darrell G. Nelson Mr. and Mrs. John DiPolvere in memory of Ruth Kline Ms. Eleanora Heim in memory of Melvin Chayt Mr. Sanford A. Gordon in memory of Anita B. Gordon Ms. Grace McDaid in memory of Karen Eileen Spiegle, V.M.D. Mrs. Gertrude Saunders in memory of Leslie Saunders Wyeth Nutrition Department in memory of Beatrice Nazzario The following have made gifts to the Small Animal Hospital in honor of a special pet: Ms. Anne Abruzzese in honor of “TUG” Ms. Heidi Adams in honor of “BARLEY” Ms. Antoinette Armstrong in honor of “NATASHA” Ms. Marti Arner in honor of “BRITTANY” Dr. Patricia Baccash in honor of “CANDY” Ms. Joan Bennett in honor of “BULLET” Mr. Jack L. Brown in honor of “GUNTHER” Mr. and Mrs. David Dietrich in honor of “MAX”, “LEDO” and “JAZZY” Ms. Elizabeth S. Ertel in honor of “MEGAN” Ms. Lois Francis in honor of “SWEETIE” Mr. and Mrs. William Hayes in honor of “NIKKI” Mr. James Hillenbrand in honor of “ABBEY”, “TASHA”, “LUCY” and “BUSTER” Ms. Tammy James in honor of “RIDLEY” Ms. Rebekah S. Klein in honor of “EBON” and “GRIFFIN” Ms. Cynthia Liss in honor of “MIDKNIGHT” Ms. Jeanette Molczan in honor of “SHANNON” Mr. Thomas Pestritto in honor of “KATIE” Ms. Shelly Ray Reed in honor of “TES” and “TYE” Ms. Marie Taylor in honor of “BINDI” The following have made gifts to the Small Animal Hospital in honor of those listed: Mr. Jack L. Brown in honor of Dr. Lillian Aronson, Dr. Nicole Hays, Dr. Simone Ostermeier, and Dr. Hilary Fordyce Ms. Denise Carr and Mr. James Lowry in honor of Dr. Judith Durkee Mr. and Mrs. Charles K. Clark in honor of Elliot Tucker Clark Dr. and Mrs. Edward V. Dillon in honor of St. George Hunt, V.M.D. Ms. Mindy Friendmann in honor of Ellis Rubin, V.M.D. Ms. Jackie Gottlieb in honor of Josephine Deubler, V.M.D. Ms. Carol L. Hawkins in honor of Meryl Littman, V.M.D. Dr. Susan Jacobson in honor of Mrs. Charles Hickox Ms. Tammy James in honor of Chick Weisse, V.M.D. Ms. Beth Liddle in honor of Dan Morris, D.V.M. Ms. Rosanne Marzarella and Dante in honor of Karen M. Froberg-Sleph, V.M.D. Philadelphia Chapter Special Libraries Association in honor of Dr. Ravi Ganesan

Ms. Mae Shutter in honor of Dr. Griffin Ms. Mary S. Smith in honor of Ira H. Silver, V.M.D. and Jarod E. Williams, D.V.M. Ms. Irene Strum in honor of Dr. Weiner Ms. Roberta Webb in honor of Bisque Jackson, V.M.D. The following have made gifts to the Small Animal Hospital in memory of John Sacuto: Ms. Louise Bade Ms. Gayle Campbell Ms. Lynn Colombo Mr. and Mrs. Robert Delaney Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hartman Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Hodson-Walker Mr. and Mrs. Edward Janssen Mr. and Mrs. H. Donald Morine Mr. and Mrs. Frank Navarra Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Nelson Mr. and Mrs. Nick Poulos Ms. Wilma Timian Ms. Josephine Wardle Ms. Barbara Witznns The following have made gifts to the Josephine Deubler Genetic Disease Testing Laboratory in memory of a special pet: Mrs. Helma Weeks in memory of “GAMBY” The following have made gifts to the Student Scholarship Fund in memory of Linda DeVito: Roger and Barbara Cowan Jane Cowan Michael Cowan David and Beth Barnett Deborah & Michael Goldstein Mr. Stanley B. Judd Mr. Jerry Rothman The following have made gifts supporting Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Research in memory of a special pet: Mr. and Mrs. John Hurley in memory of “YEATS” The following have made gifts supporting Junior Faculty Research in memory of a special pet: Mr. Wallace Chavkin in memory of “JOOLY” and “REGGIE” Mr. Philip S. Rosenzweig and Ms. Beth Zemble in memory of “ERNIE” Ms. Nancy Sullivan in memory of “ZUBIN”, “BEAST” and “BEAUTY” The following have made gifts supporting Megaesophageal Research in memory of Butch: John W. Davidge III Amber Denker Deborah Lott Sharon and Jeffrey Sabatini Richard E. Schweitzer, M.D. Sharon Lapid Schweitzer Masaaki Shibusawa Gregory and Ellen Simon Lance Williams The following have made gifts supporting the Behavior Clinic in memory of a special pet: Ms. Gayle Share-Raab and Joel S. Raab in memory of “LUTHER” The following have made gifts supporting Oncology Research in memory of a special pet: Ms. Diane Copenhaver in memory of “ROBYN”, and “NIKKI” The following have contributed gifts to the Dean’s Fund in honor of those listed: Mr. and Mrs. Richard D. Trimpi in honor of Dr. Josephine Deubler Howard Goldweig and Vesna Besarabic in honor Dr. Clifford

The following have contributed gifts to the Dean’s Fund in honor of a Special Pet: Ms. Judith Moore in honor of “ZAPATA” Mr. And Mrs. James Sharkey “BLAZE” The following have contributed gifts to the Deans Fund in memory of those listed: The Bright School c/o Ms. Marybeth Carney in memory of Joachim T. Beekmans Brooke Roberts, MD in memory of Drs. Mark Allam & Jacques Jenny The following have contributed gifts to the Deans Fund in memory of a Special Pet: Mrs. Karen O. Badellino in memory of “BARETTA PERLMAN” Mr. And Mrs. Chester Barnes in memory of “EBONY” Ms. Mary Darden in memory of “LITTLE DOO” Howard Goldweig & Vesna Besarabic in memory of “CORDELIA” John K. Harris, Jr. Esq. in memory of “BART” Ms. Marilyn D. Moody in memory of “BLUE” Rosemarie Murray in memory of “BAILEY MARIE” Ms. Luda Shields in memory of “SANSI” The following have contributed gifts to the Dean’s Fund in honor of Dr. Leslie King: Mrs. Carolyn R. Cotter Physical Therapy Service of Delaware, Inc. The following have contributed gifts to Veterinary Annual Giving Fund in memory of a Special Pet: Patricia Schweibenz, V.M.D. in memory of “SKYLER” The following have contributed gifts to Veterinary Annual Giving Fund in memory of those listed: David Allgeier, V.M.D. in memory of Dr. Eric Tulleners Richard H. Detwiler, V.M.D. in memory of Russell Detwiler, V’15 Mrs. Paula A. Granger in memory of John Granger and Dawn Elaine Granger Peter H. Herman, V.M.D. in memory of Terry Herman Robert W. Nichols, V.M.D. in memory of Edwin Churchill, V.M.D. South Street Veterinary Services, Inc. Andrew J. Breslin, V.M.D. in memory of Dr. Joan O’Brien The following have contributed gifts to Veterinary Annual Giving Fund in memory of Dr. Robert B.Weber: Ms. Donna L. Basehore Mr. & Mrs. Mark Basehore Ms. Susan K. Cone Mr. and Mrs. James R. Dukes Eureka Lodge F. & A.M. 302 Mr. and Mrs. Daivd J. Fisher Mr. A. Joseph Garner of The Garner Farm Halcyon Farm, Ltd. Mr. George Hempt and the employees of Hempt Farms Mr. and Mrs. Harold Keens Mr. and Mrs. Roger Kopas Mrs. Susan C. Jones Ms. Kim L. Potter Mr. Jack C. Ritter Mr. David H. Russell Mr. Raymond K. Sebright Mrs. Molly Sebright Mr. and Mrs. Richard D. Smith, Sr. Mr. Stephen Ware Ms. Audrey J. Weaver Ms. Betty L. Weaver Wesley United Methodist Church Ms. Billie Jo Zeigler

Nicholas G. Loutsion, V.M.D. in memory of Mr. George T. Loutsion, Sr. Ms. Mary C. Peeples in memory of Mr. Marshall West Jenney Mr. and Mrs. Luke M. Schlachter in memory of Mr. C. Lamar Creswell, Sr. Eugene P. Steffey, V.M.D. in memory of Dr. Russell S. Detweiler, V’15 Mrs. Helma Weeks in memory of Mrs. Marion Stevens The following gifts were made to Friends of New Bolton Center in memory of a special animal: Ms. M. Heather Hevlow in memory of “SMOOTH TOWN KID”, 1994 AQHA Gelding Kilwinning Veterinary Services, Nancy A. Winning, V.M.D. in memory of “BOLD SPIRIT III” Randi S. Semanoff and Just Jill Stables in memory of “JUSTIN” (Arctic Johnson) Ms. Gail T. Szczecinski in memory of Northbrook (“BEACON”) The following gifts were made in honor of those listed: Dr. Richard O. Davies in honor of Dr. Jill Beech Mr. and Mrs. Daryl B. Nelms in honor of Dr. Jill Beech Neal Ralston, V.M.D. in honor of Dr. Charles W. Raker, Dr. Corinne Sweeney, and Dr. Raymond Sweeney Mrs. Barbara Silverstein in honor of Mr. Tom Taylor Westtown Veterinary Limited, Kenton S. Stokes, V.M.D. in honor of Stuart A. Fox, V.M.D. Ms. Carol A. Wolf in honor of “OPUS FOUR” and Dr. Tom Schaer and Dr. Karsten Velde.

The following gift was made to Friends of New Bolton Center in honor of a special animal: Ms. Christine L. Simmers in honor of “WODAN”

® School of Veterinary Medicine UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Visit the School of Veterinary Medicine’s redesigned web site at

www.vet.upenn.edu Learn about the School’s campuses and three missions: teaching, research and service.

The following gifts were made to Friends of New Bolton Center in memory of those listed: Mr. and Mrs. Leonard M. Cohen in memory of Mr. Daniel Shalet

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SUMMER 2001

Upcoming Events September 2001 12 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Veterinary Medical Alumni Society Executive Board Meeting Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

13-16 American Gold Cup Devon Show Grounds Devon, PA Four day Olympic-caliber jumping competition to benefit the School of Veterinary Medicine

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25

30

6:00 p.m.

Alumni Reception American Association of Equine Practitioners’ Annual Convention San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina San Diego, CA

2:00-4:00 p.m.

Veterinary Medical Alumni Society Executive Board Meeting at 2002 Penn Annual Conference

December 2002 7 5:00 p.m.

Annual Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association Auction Location to be announced

March 2002 13 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Veterinary Medical Alumni Society Executive Board Meeting Alumni Hall New Bolton Center Kennett Square, PA

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7:30 p.m.

“A Tribute to New Bolton Center,Its Patients and Friends” Inaugural Lecture by Dr. Jill Beech, the first recipient of the Georgia E. and Philip B. Hofmann Professorship in Medicine and Reproduction New Bolton Center Kennett Square, PA

For more information or to donate auction items, contact J. Seth Eaton, V’04, Auction Co-Chairperson, via e-mail at <jseaton@mail.vet.upenn.edu>.

Annual Feline Symposium for Owners and Breeders E.R. Marookian, V.M.D. Auditorium Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

January 2002

For more information, contact Dr. Josephine Deubler at (215) 898-8862.

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For more information, contact Patricia Hall at (610) 444-5800 x2500 or via e-mail at <phall@vet.upenn.edu>.

May 2002

8:00-10:00 p.m.

Alumni Reception The North American Veterinary Conference Orlando, FL

November 2001

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10 6:00-10:00 p.m.

Rush Shippen Huidekoper Society Dinner To recognize the School of Veterinary Medicine’s most generous donors and friends The Academy of Natural Sciences Philadelphia, PA

14 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Veterinary Medical Alumni Society Executive Board Meeting Alumni Hall New Bolton Center Kennett Square, PA

Annual Canine Symposium for Owners and Breeders E.R. Marookian, V.M.D. Auditorium Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania For more information, contact Dr. Josephine Deubler at (215) 898-8862.

30-31 2002 Penn Annual Conference Adam’s Mark Hotel Philadelphia, PA

8 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Veterinary Medical Alumni Society Executive Board Meeting Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

10-12 Alumni Weekend 2002/Reunions for Classes ending in “2” or “7”

For updated event listings, please visit the

Alumni & Friends web site at

http://alumni.vet.upenn.edu

Visit the School’s web site at www.vet.upenn.edu University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine 3800 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19104-6008

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